Afritopic - Rose Kapuya

A career as a model in the glamour world is a dream for many girls. The stories of models falling into depressions or starving to the brink of collapse do not stop girls from craving for the career. While most successful and high-paid models are White, young Black aspirants look up to the Black super model, Naomi Campbell, as a role-model. At a competition for the best model talent in Krefeld, Germany, a young African, Rose Kapuya, passed through the rigorous phases of the competition to become a finalist. She was one of the 3 Black girls out of 9 finalists. AFRITOPIC had a chat with her.

How did you know about the competion?

I received an e-mail informing me that there is a competition aimed at selecting the best model talent and I should take part in the competition. The contact came through a modelling agent that has a portfolio of models including my picture on the internet. I decided to take part in the competition and sent my application to the organizers. The reply was positive and I went for the competition, which was organized by Kaufhof, one of the largest retailer shops in Germany.

What is your impression about the competition and how was it organized?

My fellow participants were all attractive young girls. At the formal reception, we were informed about the program of the competition and the need to select a group leader in the course of the program. Each participant would receive points that take catwalk, character, team-work and overall progress into consideration.

The competition consisted of different stages. At each stage, a number of participants were selected by the jury to move on to the next stage. Though we saw each other as competitors, we tried to be friendly, helpful and work together well. We all gave our best to be in the final stage and I am happy to be one of the finalists. As one of the 9 finalists, my reward was the chance to participate as a model in the street fashion show in Krefeld, Germany. It was a great experience for me to do the catwalk for private and renowned labels like Etienne Aigner, Nike, Lacoste amongst others. I really enjoyed it. After the show, the coordinator of the competition praised the excellent performance of all finalists and explained how difficult it was to select a winner. According to him, the Jury went through a long debate and finally decided for the winner. The winner was a 16 years old girl, who came into the competition without any experience but learned quickly to be good within the period of the competition.

When did you decide to become a model?

At about 13 years of age, I thought of becoming a model. I had always been self-confident. I actually do not relate my self-confidence to my looks or figure. I am not conscious of my looks because I am not the type of girl that spends time in front of the mirror. Continue>

Rose Kapuya

I do not fancy things that most girls do, for example reading or glancing through fashion and beauty magazines. My self-confidence is more in connection with my readiness to work hard or fight for what I want to achieve. This character helped me a lot while I was the only Black girl in the school. I also had the courage to challenge anyone starring at me foolishly.

Do you have another career option apart from modelling?

I would like to work as a model. But I also want to study psychology and later work as a psychologist. I would like to study at a University in South Africa or Canada. England is not a choice. Berlin, Germany is also an alternative city for me to study. My aim is to combine my studies with a modelling career, which I would later give up for a profession as a psychologist.

Have you undergone a formal training as a model?

I never had a formal training as a model. I watch the way professional models walk on stages during public fashion shows or on the television and I try to emulate them. I know that I am not perfect, that is why I take every opportunity to learn. After the competition in Krefeld, I was approached by a fashion designer to work together with her to model her designs. I was the only one she made the offer to. I was happy and felt the offer was an additional testimony that my performance was brilliant.

Do have a favourite label and a fashion company you would like to work for as a model?

My favourite label is Lacoste. As a model, I would be happy to work for H&M. I would not like to start with very high class label like Armani. H&M is popular and offers clothing for everyone. After gaining some experience with labels sold in big retailer shops, I would be fit to take up the challenges of modelling for Armani and the like.

Who is your favourite super model?

My favourite model is Naomi Campbell. She is gorgeous. Some people compare me to Naomi. But I am not as tall as her and do not have her competence.

How do you want to cope with the stress and other difficulties involved in modelling career?

I know that working as a model is stressful but I can cope very well with stress. I even prefer to work under stress. I am good at organizing my time. I create a list of all the tasks I have to do and do them according to my list.

It is difficult to succeed as a model. As a Black model, it is even more difficult. In a discussion with one of the organizers, I was told that firms usually prefer models that consumers can identify themselves with. The population of Blacks in Germany is very low compared to major migrant nationalities. Though, Black music is popular and most of the fashion and dance shows are accompanied by Black music, only very few Black models are under contract. However, with the second and third generation of Blacks increasing the population and making commendable impacts in diverse fields, the situation would improve.

How would you describe your childhood and your upbringing?

I was born in the Congo. When I was 5 years old, my family moved to Germany with my brother and me. I am 2 years younger than my brother. My mother later went back to the Congo and my father married a German woman. I grew up with my brother, my father and my step mother. The family became bigger with the birth of my half brother. He is 11 years younger than me. I loved to take my half brother around when he was about 4 years old, but I realized that people thought he was my child because I looked more matured than my age. This was embarrassing. Continue>

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I had difficulties in giving explanations and coping with the situation. I stopped taking him with me. With time, the situation changed and I do love to have him around me. I am mentally more matured. I am now 20 years old.

My brothers are my friends. We have very good relationships. My father was very strict with me. He did not allow me to go to discotheques even when I was 18 years old. I could not understand that and I disliked him. Today, I understand him better. I know he loves me. He cares for me and wants to protect me.

Which languages do you speak?

I am in a “patch” family with a very strong influence of my German step mother. One of my favourite subjects in school is the German language. The other is English. Unfortunately, I do not speak my Congolese native language, Ngala. My father wanted my brother and I to learn and speak German fluently. I would like to learn the language now. Though, I understand most of the words, I need to practice the spoken language.

What are your hobbies?

My hobbies are reading and listening to music. My favourite music artist is Tracy Chapman. I love the lyrics of her music and she has a rare beautiful voice that makes her music unique. I also listen to soul and dance to R&B. Naturally, I like African music. I have the rhythm in me. I read novels but I do not like fictions. I prefer true stories or biographical novels.

Do you make friends easily?

Most of my friends are Germans. Generally I feel more comfortable with male friends. The friendship is simple and buddy-like. My female friends feel that I am in competition with them. Whenever we are at a party or a social gathering, they get annoyed when the men eye me. They start getting nervous and sometimes just stay away from me. Meanwhile, I am used to their attitude. I ignore them and I enjoy myself.

What do you look for in a friendship?

I look for sincerity, honesty and reliability. I should be able to open up my heart to a friend, tell him/her my secret and expect the friend to keep the secret. I am open-minded and straightforward. Unfortunately, I have been disappointed and have had bad experience with people. I am now cautious in making friends but I still keep my open-mindedness.

How do you cope with disappointment?

My family plays a vital role and music brings me back into good mood. The music of Tracy Chapman is always very helpful. I listen to the music and the disappointments are slowly blown away.

When do you know that you are in love?

Falling in love gives me a nice emotional feeling. It is a special feeling. I cannot find the right words to explain the feeling. I know I am in love when this special feeling overcomes me.

What do you hope to have achieved in a few years from now?

I hope to be a famous model in a few years from now.

End Afritopic 2007

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