The search is on for Nigeria’s Top Model 2010

Description:

In Nigeria, there is a nationwide model search for one male and female Top Model this year. Entries are for males and females in any area of modelling i.e. Commercial, Editorial or Runway.

The Competition is open to all models or aspiring models who live in Nigeria or are of Nigerian Heritage/Origin but not residing in the country or have a connection to Nigeria through work, education or residency. This applies to male and female models aged 18 to 30, minimum height of 5.1 and no more than a size 14 dress, models do not need to be professional or have any experience whatsoever.

Top Model of Colour Nigeria (TMC Nigeria) is running the competition this year and hopes to eliminate the age long taboo that modelling is only for high fashion runway models. This contest opens doors to a whole spectrum of intelligent and attractive personalities and future potential supermodels.

Other international TMC modelling competitions are currently being held in the UK, Holland and the Gambia. However it is expected that due to the size of Nigeria and the number of potential models available that TMC Nigeria will have the largest amount of applicants ever for any TMC competition.

The criteria for selection is not just striking physical features but includes Character, Heart and a strong Sense of Self; all of which radiate and is reflected on the model’s outward appearance. The model search activities and publicity occurs over a eight month period and spans across five regional locations covering the entire country. At the end, a winner emerges and is declared the Top Model of Colour Nigeria.

“TMC is a modelling competition specifically for models of colour to give them the opportunity to gain experience of the modelling industry and to train more models and prepare them for the tough modelling industry and ultimately enable them to be more prepared to compete with Caucasian models.

TMC is a very competitive competition and will not only give models the experience to become a top model but will test their physical and mental ability to see if they have the strength of character to make it in this highly competitive industry, as the industry is not all about glitz and glamour as people think and it is very hard and tedious work being a model.

It is a year long competition that will consist of castings, live regional heats (in front of audiences) and the grand finale, but in preparing for the grand finale they will have to produce a portfolio, go through intensive rehearsals and participate in a hot choreographed fashion show. In addition they would have to be very knowledgeable about the fashion industry as they will be asked questions at the regional heats and at the finale”, explains TMC’s CEO, Sola Oyebade.

Prizes for the winner and runners up include modelling contracts worth up to $20,000, a brand new car and many other exciting prizes. TMC is an exclusive franchise event organized by Mahogany Productions and has franchises in the United Kingdom, Gambia and Holland. The brand is well established and is now in its fifth year in the United Kingdom. It has grown to be the No 1 modelling competition for male and female models of colour in Europe.

Top Model of Colour Nigeria 2010 model search Applications go on sale from 1st February 2010 and close on 1st April 2010.

This will then be followed by the Shortlisting which includes Live casting- Screening & TV Coverage for dates and times in the Nigerian cities as follows:

• Abuja (12th April)
• Enugu (14th April)
• Port Harcourt (16th April)
• Lagos (24th & 25th April)

The Live regional heats with Screening & TV Coverage have been arranged for the following dates:

• Abuja (17th May)
• Enugu (19th May)
• Port Harcourt (21st May)
• Lagos (29th & 30th May)

Selection will be for a Maximum of 40 girls and 30 boys per heat – only top 5 from each heat gets through plus 5 wildcard entries- These events will be attended by members of the public and top personalities.

This will be followed by Rehearsals (or in the house) Televised In-house Grooming from 2nd October to 10th October where 10 reality TV episodes will be made from these for showing on national TV.

To end the competition, there will be a live final with TV coverage on 9th October 2010 with a Choreographed display by contestants, Fashion Show, Photography, appearance by guest international and local artist, comedian.

Guide2Nigeria hopes to follow the competition and provide progress updates.

For coverage on a similar competition last year, please click on the link below:

Face of Sleek Nigeria 2009