UZZIAH: Smart & Ripped

Male models don't enjoy and receive the same super status as female models do but they are making their presence felt in the industry. MTC Windhoek Fashion Week 2020 produced new male models and one of them is Uzziah Mukena. A towering giant, serious face with piercing eyes as he walks down the runway, for a first-time fashion week model he surely made his presence felt.

Born in the Zambezi region, he holds an honors degree in International Economics and Trade. Mukena is 24 years of age, first born of 2 children, an SAP Consultant and Personal Trainer.

We had an opportunity to chat with Uzziah about modeling and this thing called life.

VC: Would you consider yourself a creative person?

Uzziah: Yes, I do

VC: What are your goals as a model?

Uzziah: To put Namibia on the map and to inspire fellow aspiring models to go after their dreams with everything they’ve got.

VC: How do you deal with uncomfortable situations?

Uzziah: The first thing I always do Is to remain calm instead of panic, this way I am able to think fast and come up with a solution.

VC: Who do you look up to in the industry?

Uzziah: Tyson Beckford

(Picture below: Uzziah at MTC Windhoek Fashion Week)

To put Namibia on

the map and to

inspire fellow

aspiring models to go

after their

dreams with

everything they’ve got.    

(Uzziah at MTC Windhoek Fashion Week Runway for Mohenn)

VC: Tell me about your most difficult photo?

Uzziah: My first sportswear shoot in 2015 was very difficult for me cause of the long hours and perfection that was required by the director.

VC: Which international runway show do you want to do?

Uzziah: New York fashion week

VC: Your favorite local and international brand?

Shilongo Leather Works and Gucci

 VC: Your favorite local and international designer?

Uzziah: Ingo Shanyenge & Ralph Lauren

VC: How do you keep fit?

Uzziah: I workout 4 times a week and have a very healthy diet.

VC: What does a model meal look like?

Uzziah: Green salad with lean chicken breast or fish and some fruit for dessert

VC: What is one of your favorite parts of modeling and what is one of your least favorites? 

Uzziah: My favorite part of modeling is the networking and exposure that comes with it. You meet people from all walks of life and can learn so much from each other. My least favorite part of modeling is the long hours that go into perfecting a look and making sure everything is perfect before a show.

VC: If you could go back and tell yourself one thing before beginning your career what would it be?

Uzziah: Don’t be afraid to start.

VC: The fashion industry has changed so much in the past few years, what’s the best advice you would give for staying ahead of the curve?

Uzziah: Change is inevitable, don’t fight it, embrace it.

VC: What advice would you give to someone hoping to one day make it as a supermodel?

Uzziah: Dream big, work hard on perfecting your art and remain humble 

VC: What was the first job you ever booked as a model? 

Athletics sportswear shoot for a sportswear designer in 2015

VC: Hobbies? Favourite Colour?

Uzziah: I love reading, traveling and working out.... My favorite color is red

(Pictures Contributed: Uzziah at MTC WIndhoek Fashion Week)

If what Uzziah served at the MTC Windhoek Fashion Week 2021 runway is anything to go about, then surely 2021 he will shut it down. The Fashion industry is evolving, and everyone is seeing this change and they want to be part of this change. Not long from now, male models will surpass the female models because now everyone wants to be part of the A-list model pool. We know that this won't be the last time we will be talking to him...

You can follow Uzziah on Intagram at:                          Uzzi Mukena