ON THE COVER : Antoinette Kabanyana

Talk about elegance and charisma! This Rwandan model, measuring 1.72 m and 56 kg, has landed the front cover of The SundayMag. You think you’ve seen it all. The model, Antoinette Kabanyana, appears on the cover of the magazine wearing different hairstyles: Afro and curly braids. Kabanyana revealed that her childhood dream was not modelling, but to become a doctor. But now, by the look of things, the belle is aspiring to become an international model and fashion icon. She is truly a brilliant hardworking young woman. The former Premiere Model Agency model, who also contested for Miss East Africa, says she won’t rest until she goes international. It has become a tradition for the SundayMag to give platform to young talented Rwandans to tell their stories and inspire fellow young Rwandans through the cover.Here is what the 21-year-old model shared with the magazine: Kabanyana urges Rwandans to stop wasting time judging and discouraging others, but embrace the culture of hard work and to support each other in order to develop the country. She also called upon parents and guardians to help the children realise their talents and help them to develop them. “Modelling is not yet popular in the country, and some Rwandans have a negative perception towards it,” Kabanyana said. “…modelling is a business like other businesses… and if given value, it can support those doing it, as well as the entire society,” she advises. On other flips, Kabanyana said that she is a busy girl: “I don’t have an ordinary day because I’m trapped between two different lives. One day I’m modelling, the next I’m off to the university, the next day I’m working on my other projects.” On the process of creating her fashion line, the model says, “This is my future dream and I want to start my own model agency and fashion line.” Kabanyana started modelling in 2008, and signed a contract with Premiere Model Agency in the fall of 2009. “I gained a lot of skills and confidence from Premiere Model Agency; for example, the catwalk, what to wear and when to wear it…,” the black beauty said. However, Kabanyana quit Premiere Model Agency in October, 2010, to develop her sole career. Biography Kabanyana was born on March 18, 1989, in Muhanga, Southern Province. She is the last born in a family of five children. Lifestyle She enjoys sports, especially swimming. And a biologist, Kabanyana loves animals. She also enjoys watching movies and listening to music. Ends