22 YEAR OLD CAMEROONIAN BEAUTY IS CROWNED MISS AFRICA USA 2011-2012

 Cameroonian Beauty, Miss Ghyslaine (GiGi) Tchouaga was crowned Miss Africa USA 2011-12 on Sunday Nov 13th in the crowded Hilton Hotel Ballroom in Silver Spring, Maryland.

The event which attracted hundreds of Africans and friends of Africa over a very hectic weekend culminated to the coronation of the 22year old Nursing student from Cameroon.

GHYSLAINE TCHOUAGA, RESIDENT OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY MARYLAND, BORN IN CAMEROON, RAISED IN YAOUNDE, THE NATIONS CAPITAL HAS BEEN CROWNED MISS AFRICA USA 2011 – 2012.

Over 150 African girls had registered for the pageant and auditioned to represent their countries this year. 16 finalists representing 16 countries made the cut to the finals and took a shot for he crown. They were all amazing in their presentations and platforms for Africa. Each and everyone of them committed to change the world around them with or without the crown.

For the first time in the Pageant’s seven year history, a Cameroonian walks away with the Crown. Miss Tchouaga who was born in the Nation’s capital Yaounde, some 22years ago, immigrated with her mother and siblings to the United States of America to pursue higher education and more opportunities for the family.

A true Pan-Africanist, Ghyslaine’s priority as stated in her platform is to help save lives in the Horn of Africa. She recognizes the emergency in Somalia and wants to immediately launch her campaign to ‘Feed The Hungry’ in Somalia. She says Cameroon is a very blessed country with enough food to feed even neighboring countries.

In an emotional appeal during platforms presentation, Miss Somalia moved the audience by recognizing Miss Cameroon’s commitment to the crisis in Somalia. She could not believe another finalist could take interest in her country.

While she will focus on saving lives in Somalia she wants to also give back to her native Cameroon by organizing a Medical Mission in Cameroon to help with medical supplies and equipment for hospitals in rural and under developmed areas. She also wants to use her position to advocate for orphans and sick children in Cameroon. Queen Ghyslaine Tchouaga will be working closely with the Leon H Sullivan Foundation and the African Women’s Development Foundation both registered non-profits in the United States of America, to achieve her dreams as a Goodwill Ambassador.

After a series of competition in Platform Presentations and Public Speaking, Talent, Fashion, traditional girl appearance, the top 10 countries were announced. The top 10 were able to compete in one more round of fashion and style before the Judges elected the top five delegates.

The top ten included the following countries: Sierra Leone, Congo, Nigeria, Liberia, Kenya, Republic of Guinee, Ghana, Ethiiopia, Cape Verde and the Republic of Cameroon.

The top five were: Ghana in 5th Place, Nigeria in 4th place, Guinee in 3rd place, Liberia in 3rd place and Cameroon walked home with the Crown.

The Pageant congratulates all 16 delegates who participated in the Pageant this year. They all have a strong passion for their chosen causes and the Pageant organization is working closely with the Leon Howard Sullivan Foundation to give each delegate an opportunity to pursue their passions as Good will Ambassadors through a Special Program called the AFRIPOLITAN CLUBS. More details will follow.

 2011 MISS AFRICA USA DELEGATES WITH DR. ARETHA MAKIA, MISS AFRICA USA PATRON

The dynamic Miss Africa USA Pageant team wishes to thank all those who came out to support the pageant this weekend with their friends and families.  Special thanks to all the Embassies and Ambassadors who came out, especially the Ambassador of Liberia and Cape Verde for being there to the end, the Embassy of Kenya, Cameroon, Embassy of Ethiopia and Embassy and Gabon.

Special thanks and gratitude to the Miss Africa USA Chair, Mrs Hope Sullivan Masters for giving us her time, commitment and enduring the entire competition to the end.  Thanks to the Staff of the Leon Howard Sullivan Foundation for the beautiful Dinner served to the girls and the Guests on the eve of the Pageant.

To all our sponsors, ARIK Airlines, committed to flying the winners to Africa for their mission work we say thank you, to Mike Glanton International Consultancy we thank you for your generous sponsorship.  Thanks to Dr. Aretha Makia for doing the most noble thing to donate a scholarship for the winner, we love you and we thank you. To Western Union, Rebtel and 2cAfrica we appreciate your sponsorship and for being there year after year.

Very special appreciation to Little Ethiopia DC, Mr. Tamrat Mehdin for sponsoring the LIMO RIDES, Dinner and Lunch and the most exotic and beautiful Ethiopian restaurants in Little Ethiopia DC.  The girls enjoyed delicious meals at the Abyssinia restaurant and Etete restaurant thanks to Little Ethiopia DC.

We are saying thank you to Mrs Astrid Tasong of Vikings Unlimited for sponsoring all the floral bouquets for the pageant, the Red Carpet and for her generousity through out the year, letting us use the Vikings Center for rehearsals and also for auditions.  Ms Astrid we salute you.

We give thanks to Mr. Joseph Eyong representing the President of Montgomery County Council Ms Valerie Ervin who served as the Chair of the pageant last year.  Thanks to Montgomery County for hosting the pageant in two years and giving us two Queens so far.

A word of appreciation to our Patron Dr. Victor Mbaba all the way from Atlanta Ga, we thank you for your support.

For those who took up vendor opportunities we thank you all for adding value and excitement to the pageant this year by offering beautiful products such as Mary Kay Cosmetics,  Naoumi Jewelry, Princess Romy Fashions. We thank all those businesses who took up ads in the Miss Africa Magazine, thank you for being true patriots of Africa.

Thanks to the African Royalty in the House, Mother Africa Mafor Edwan we thank you for gracing the show with your love and support as mother of all children.We thank the Media who promoted this event to the fullest especially
Face2Face Africa, Palava Hut TV, African Vibes Magazine, African Trumpet, Tadias Ethiopian Magazine, EBS TV, Camer TV, Ethiopian Times, Modern Ghana.com, Ladybrille Magazine, Voice of America TV, All Eyes on Africa Magazine, ADUNAGOW Magazine.A special shout out to my stylist and fashion designer who made sure Lady Kate was looking so fly, Princess Romy Fashions in Maryland. Thank you for dressing me.  I am leting our readers know that if they want the best dress for that red carpet event, they can look no further than Princess Romy DesignsMEET THE TEAM THAT MADE IT HAPPEN THIS YEAR

• Lady Kate Njeuma: CEO and Founder MISS AFRICA USA
• Linda Arrey-Mbi: Pageant Manager (Cameroon
• Kyle Haggerty: Production Director (African-American)
• Mrs Constance Nkwantah: Communications Director
• Geena Ngaaje:  Choreographer (from Cameroon)
• DJ Fly:  Director of Music and Sound (from Gabon)
• Frenard Ganda:  Audio Visual Director (from Sierra Leone)
• DJ Photography Official Photographer (from Ethiopia)
•  Miss America 2010 Caressa Cameron
• Mrs Pamela Messy : Co MC

VOLUNTEERS

• Lauretta Ashu
• Mr. Otto Enow
• Mrs Diane Kadji
• Mr. Tibu Che
• Miss Patricia Mbazoa
• Miss Gnima Diop

RED CARPET HOST

• Miss Kaya Chipungu

On Behalf of all the above, I am happy to sign off and wish you all the best of the season of Thanks Giving and Christmas. Just remember that while we enjoy delicious meals everyday, millions are dying of starvation in Somalia. Join Miss Africa USA in ‘FEEDING THE HUNGRY’.

ESTABLISHING THE ARETHA MAKIA SCHOLARSHIP FUND FOR MISS AFRICA USA

The Iconic Beauty, brain and seasoned professional Dr. Aretha Makia graces the Miss Africa USA Pageant and its ideals by throwing her weight in support of Education for the African Girl.  Miss Africa USA Pageant is proud to announce the launching of the

ARETHA MAKIA SCHOLARSHIP FUND FOR MISS AFRICA USA.

90%  of the delegates representing their countries in the pageant each year are either college students or graduates planning to return to further education and self development.  This announcement is a great initiative to prove to our young women that Education is the Key.  An educated woman is an empowered Woman.  This is a historical gesture in the Miss Africa USA Pageant, for the first time in its seven years of existence, a special Scholarship trust fund is set up for the winner, sponsored by a former beauty Queen.

Aretha won the hearts of Cameroonians back in the 1990s when she gracefully paved her way to the Crown of Miss Cameroon.  Her beauty is skin deep and her heart exonerates kindness, humility and love.  In 2010 the Miss Africa USA Pageant recognized her humanitarian service, helping to save lives and make a difference in Haiti after the earthquake that took so many lives. She was on the ground in Haiti saving lives.  Dr. Makia who is a top OB/GYN surgeon in Maryland is a success story,  a former beauty Queen who epitomizes the strength and real beauty of an African woman.  She has a successful career as a Physician and her love for fashion puts her on a different level, balancing a successful career, motherhood, an awesome wife and she is a fashion statement and will immediately light up any Red Carpet with her great fashion and style.  She has become a strong patron and advocate for the Miss Africa USA Pageant and shares in the pageant’s vision of empowering young African girls.

 

THE MISS AFRICA USA PAGEANT SALUTES DR. ARETHA MAKIA, A ROLE MODEL FOR BEAUTY QUEENS AND AN INSPIRATION.

 

 

Dr. Aretha Makia receives the 2010 WOMAN OF VALOR AWARD at the Miss Africa USA VIP Banquet at the UMUC Marriott Hotel.

In 2010 Dr. Makia was responsible for Asking those Final Interview Questions at the Pageant, to the top 5 Finalists after which

the Winner was Selected.  She has been in that position before and she did an excellent job to make the girls feel relaxed on stage as they prepared to deliver their final answers.   Dr. Makia will again be throwing those questions to the finalists this year at the pageant slated for Sunday Novemer 13 2011 at the Hilton Hotel, Downtown Silver Spring Md.

PLEASE JOIN US IN THANKING DR. MAKIA FOR HER VERY KIND GESTURE TO THE PAGEANT DELEGATES.

 

 

 

 

 

MISS AFRICA USA FIFI SOUMAH: Attends The Leon H Sullivan Foundation’s Presidential Banquet in Atlanta

 

“I make no excuses about it, I am like Robin Hood. I take from the rich and give to the poor. It is high time at last for the world to wake up and do more for Africa.” ( Leon H Sullivan)

The Leon H. Sullivan Foundation empowers underprivileged people worldwide by promoting the principles of self-help and social responsibility.  These goals are the articulation of the vision of the Reverend Leon Howard Sullivan.

Leon H Sullivan Foundation Africa Policy Forum  ‘ A Vision For the 21st Century’

President Olusegun Obasanjo and Ambassador Andrew Young having an interactive discussion with guests at the Africa Policy Forum in Atlanta.

The City of Atlanta played host to biggest Africa Diaspora Event last September. For the first time, the Leon H Sullivan Foundation’s Africa Summit was held outside of Africa and it was no doubt and by no surprise that Atlanta was selected as the host city.  Home of the grand father of the Civil Rights Movement Rev. Martin Luther King, Atlanta is not only diverse, the city is also blessed with plenty of Southern Hospitality.  The Sullivan Summit 2010 themed as ‘The Africa Policy Forum’ pulled together some power houses from the likes of President Olusegun Obasanjo and Ambassador Andrew Young to the Mayor of the City of Atlanta to the everyday African or African American eager to make that connection with the homeland, leverage the network for development and connect with the past.

The City of Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed learns of his ancestral origin after DNA Testing.

An event which saw a huge number of African-American leaders and members of the public take a DNA testing to trace their roots to the Motherland. Results were announced at the Presidential Gala for Mayor Kasim Reed and other leaders.  The Nigerian Consul General His Excellency Okafor was there to welcome them home. It was quite an awesome experience to witness the leaders receive their results and the excitement in the air, something very unique indeed.

Meet the President and CEO of the Leon H Sullivan Foundation, Hope Sullivan Masters, daughter of the great humanitarian and  activist Leon H Sullivan who is of Late.  Miss Africa USA Fifi Soumah like many women was very inspired by Hope Sullivan Masters, role model for young women of our generation.  Hope’s commitment to continue with the work that her father started with great energy and dedication makes her a very special person.  The impact of the Foundation is felt in the lives of the communities they serve, the lives they uplift and the hope they bring to millions of Africans and Africa diaspora and people around the world.

“This year, and for the first time ever, the Sullivan Foundation organized The Africa Policy Forum: A Vision for the 21st Century, held in Atlanta, GA, intended to bridge the gap between Africa, the U.S. and citizens of both in an event which featured:

• High level policy forum on the Obama Administration’s policy to Africa
• Exclusive networking opportunities
• Exciting entertainment
• Critical education, health and economic opportunities
• Celebrities and live cultural events
• Sports events and much more for four full days in the international tourism capital of Atlanta, Georgia” (courtesy of  Leon H Sullivan Foundation Website”)

Miss Africa USA Fatoumata (Fifi) Soumah attends the Presidential Gala.

The Presidential Gala kicked off with an elegant banquet at the beautiful Marriott Marquee in Downtown Atlanta. The Decor was a splendid display of African ornaments combined with a beautiful layout of  of exotic African fruits and foods as well as Art.  Miss Africa USA 2010 Fifi Soumah from Guinea represented very well, a face of Africa that guests were happy to meet and talk to and learn one or two things about Africa as well as share her platform and project.  Miss Soumah is the first African Queen to address a women’s rights issue plaguing Africa today ‘Female Genital Mutilation’  She was very happy to share her passion with others.

The Miss Africa USA team represented at the Presidential banquet: L _ R, Pageant Manager, Miss Linda Arrey, CEO and Founder of Miss Africa USA and President of African Women’s Development Foundation USA, Lady Kate Njeuma,  a fellow guest and Queen Fifi Soumah, Miss Africa USA, all having a great time at the banquet.

Miss Linda Arrey the Pageant Manager and Miss Africa USA Fifi   Soumah

share a moment with Ambassador Andrew Young

The Banquet was not only entertaining but very informative as well.  An opportunity to hear from the Chairman of the Leon H Sullivan Foundation,  Ambassador Andrew Young,  The Founder and President of the Foundation Hope Sullivan Masters who talked about the work and commitment of her father to bridge the gap between Africa and the United States and how much her vision lives to ensure that her father’s legacy never dies. She is herself a legend for exerting so much energy to ensure that the cause is strengthen day after day and year after year.  The elegantly dressed Hope Sullivan’s speech paid tribute to all sponsors and supporters and the entire team of the Leon H Sullivan Foundation, who are making things happen for the Foundation and world at large, from Coca Cola to Chevron and more.

Miss Africa USA Fifi Soumah was also very happy to meet and chat with the City of Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed.  In his speech at the Presidential Gala, Mayor Reed emphasized the fact that Atlanta remains and International City with great diversity and a rich culture, very hospitable and he welcomes all visitors from around the world who visit Atlanta or who make Atlanta their home.  UP ATL!!!!!!

Pictured above, Ms Engrid Saunders Jones of Coca Cola and Miss Africa USA Fifi Soumah at the Leon H Sullivan Presidential gala in Atlanta GA. Coca Cola is a proud sponsor of the Leon H Sullivan Foundation and Coca Cola Africa Foundation is also doing a lot of humanitarian work in Africa from Clean Water Supply to health care programs and more.  At the Presidential Gala, Ambassador Andrew Young also mentioned that Coca Cola is one of the biggest employers in the Continent of Africa. So Big Up to Coca Cola Africa.

Talking about Coca Cola, pictured above with Miss Africa USA is Dr. Vuvu Manseka also from the Coca Cola Head Quarters. He was introduced at the Banquet by Ms Engrid Saunders Jones as the Chair of the Coca Cola Africa Diaspora Team.  Each year Vuvu organizes the Coca Cola Africa Day at the Coke headquarters in Atlanta, a great networking luncheon event that brings together top management of Coca Cola, African Employees at Coca Cola and leaders in the African Community in Atlanta.  Coca Cola certainly had a strong representation at the Leon H Sullivan ‘Africa Policy Forum.

T. J Holmes CNN Anchor and Miss Africa USA chat at the Leon H Sullivan Foundation’s Presidential Gala.

Actor and Celebrity Host, Isaiah Washington was also in very involved in the 2010 Africa Policy Forum. He is not only a Board member of the Leon H Sullivan Foundation, he is also actively promoting the right to Dual Citizenship for Africa diaspora. Isaiah Washington Made history by being the first African American to have a dual citizenship after DNA testing traced his roots to the beautiful West African Country of Sierra Leone. He is a citizen of Sierra Leone and is doing some amazing humanitarian work, uplifting communities in Sierra Leone.  His presence at the Forum was certainly very inspiring as he shared his story and experience with the guests. The Award winning Actor who starred in ABC’s Greys Anatomy is seen above with Miss Africa USA Fifi Soumah at the Presidential Gala. Queen Fifi was also able to share her platform project with him as well.

Miss Africa USA Fifi Soumah was very happy to meet the staff of Leon H Sullivan Foundation. Pictured above: Ms Angela Chester-Johnson, the Vice President of Strategic Outreach. Ms Angela and her team worked very hard to put together a such a great event.

Also present at the Leon H Sullivan Foundation 2010 Presidential Gala were representatives from the African-American LifeStyle Magazine, a major sponsor of the Miss Africa USA Pageant. The Magazine also covered the event for publication.

It was also great catching up with Ms Lauren Thompson, Assistant to the President of the Leon H Sullivan Foundation pictured above. L-R  Miss Africa USA Pageant Manager Miss Linda Arrey, Ms Lauren Thompson, Mr. Ben Kalala from DRC (Presidential Candidate for DRC upcoming Presidential Elections) and Lady Kate Njeuma, CEO and Founder of Miss Africa USA Scholarship Pageant.

Miss Africa USA Finalists: Miss Kenya , Angela Wambui and Miss Gabon, Coretha Antchouey,  who had ran for the pageant this year were also in attendance at the Presidential Gala. A nice little Miss Africa re-union indeed.

Miss Africa USA Fifi Soumah enjoyed networking with representatives of various non-profit organizations present. Pictured above with Ms Kadiatou Sidibe, the CEO and Founder of A Child For All Incorporated and organization focused on raising an educating orphans in Mali.

Three happy and smiling faces saying CONGRATULATIONS to the Leon H Sullivan Foundation for such a great event: from Left to Right:  Queen Fatoumata (Fifi) Soumah the reigning Miss Africa USA,  My Cameroonian brother Mr. Sam Nyambi from the Coca Cola Headquarters in Atlanta and Lady Kate Njeuma, CEO Miss Africa USA Pageant.

The Presidential Gala night was another successful event in a series of events that translated into the “Africa Policy Forum”  ( A Vision For the 21st Century) drawing thousands of people to network, share, inspire and connect with the motherland.

MISS AFRICA USA PAGEANT: Promotes Individual Talent and Self Expression

Over the years of its existence, the talent segment of the Miss Africa USA competition has been a permanent feature of the pageant which generates a lot of excitement from the audience but most importantly offers the pageant delegates an opportunity to explore their own inborn talent as well.  A lot of people have talents that they don’t know about and if given the opportunity they would excel.  The pageant aims to bring out the best in every participant and the talent competition is one of those areas that requires a lot of creativity and originality.

Pictured above is Miss Ghana representative Priscilla Boateng who finished the pageant in 3rd Place as 2nd Princess to the Queen.  Her entrance on stage for the talent segment was certainly very mind blowing. She presented as an African Queen, carried on a bench by two Mandingo men as you can see from the pictures.

She engaged in spoken word about the beauty of Africa. This special presentation never left the minds of many who witness her act, how original and thoughtful it was. Her performance certainly won the hearts of the Judges.

Pictured above is the reigning Queen, Fifi Soumah on stage with a Poem titled ‘The Girl in Me’.  Elegantly dressed and gracing the stage in confidence she told told the story of ‘The Girl In Me’ a poem she wrote herself about the challenges of growing up as a little girl in a troubled world. You had to be there to feel the impact of this act, she received great applause for her act finished off with a call for women to never give up the fight and never give up hope.

Spoken word was certainly very popular with the Judges this year, as most of the top 5 winners actually performed spoken word for their talent.  Singing was also popular with some of the delegates. Pictured above is Mameisia Kabia representing Sierra Leone, who placed in the top 15 of the competition. Dressed in the most gorgeous while evening gown, she stunned the audience with her beautiful voice.

Meet Natasha Beckley, the first runner up, also known as the Deputy Miss Africa USA performing Spoken word, a poem she had also written capturing the past of the Black  powerful Black woman in America today.  She is an acclaimed poet and has a great collection of poems in her portfolio.  This young lady is certainly very gifted in this field of poetry and will certainly go places.

And to conclude this post on the Miss Africa USA Talent competition, we end with the winner of the Spokes Model Award, Miss Gnima Diop representing the beautiful country of Senegal.  Gnima clearly stood out in her ability to master her spoken word, speaking with conviction, passion and confidence, a performance which earned her the title of Miss Africa USA Spokes Model, a title she is now using to advance her career as a motivational speaker. I believe she will do very well indeed as a public speaker.

Generally this year Spoken Word certainly did it for the Judges as well as thrilled the audience. Bear in mind that there were other beautiful acts such as singing and dancing and more.  The Delegates did their very best to stick to African themes and cultures while being very entertaining as well.

If you missed the show this year, you can order the video and watch it in the comfort of your own home at $10 each.  Simply send an email to info@missafricaunitedstates.com to place your order.

 

MISS AFRICA USA PAGEANT : A Cultural Showcase

Hundreds of supporters and fans gather each year to witness the Miss Africa USA Pageant, a very unique pageant which promotes the rich cultures of Africa.  Anticipation is always very high and performances get very heated as delegate after delegate tries to bring out the best of African culture on stage through traditional regalia, dance, drums and more. For those who have never been to Africa, the pageant offers a snippet of the African culture, knowledge about the continent and its diversity and much more.  You certainly do not walk away thinking Africa is one country like Senator Sarah Palin said on the campaign trail during the last Presidential Elections in the United States.  Africa has over 50 countries with a rich blend of cultures.

Pictured above is a delegate from Kenya,  Hilda Mauya. Hilda is showcasing a very rich Masaai regalia.  When you think of Kenya, the Masaai warriors come to mind and yes the Masaai have kept their culture very well indeed despite colonization and neo-imperialism, the culture of the Masaai is original.

Meet the Miss Africa USA Culture Award winner for 2010, Miss Angela Wambui, she is also from Kenya and again we see a different version of the Masaai warrior. Miss Angela stormed the stage, dressed as a traditional Masaai girl with all the accessories to go with the theme.  One thing was very special about Miss Angela: she went all nine yards to ensure every detail about her had Kenya written all over it, from earrings to necklace to shoes and hair pins, everything was Kenya and it was about her roots and culture, all very beautifully put together.

Here is a traditional girl look from Nigeria.  These accessories and outfit should immediately spell Nigeria in your mind if you are good at recognizing the originality of African traditions.  Miss Roseline Amusu, Miss Nigeria delegate carries her traditional outfit very well as she sings and dances to traditional folklore music on stage.

Who say carrying stuff on your head is not African culture?  This is not common in one country, I bet you, if you go to Africa, no matter where or when, this is one of the first sitings you will observe.  Women, men, girls and boys all do it. There is something special about carrying something on your head and it is not easy to balance that load on the head either but we Africans do it so well with no hassle…..LOL.  Pictured above, Miss Sierra Leone finalist Natasha Beckley is on stage during traditional African girl segment of the competition. She carries a basket on her head and still looks very elegant.  Miss Natasha finished the pageant as the 1st Princess or Deputy Miss Africa USA or 1st Runner up as you may call her. She is from Sierra Leone in West Africa.

The Beautiful Miss South Africa Yolanda Masinga presents an elegant ensemble from her native land.  We witness once again the tradition of carrying a load on your head is very common practice and very much part of African culture, no matter where you go. Check out the hat she is wearing, very common in Southern Africa, combined with the rich red and white colors of her outfit, she looks a million dollars. Africa is very beautiful Indeed.

The above is simply a glimpse of the traditional girl presentations of the the 2010 pageant, you can visit our website http://www.missafricaunitedstates.com for more info or follow us on facebook  Miss Africa USA fan page.

God Bless Africa.

MISS AFRICA USA PARADE OF NATIONS: Showcasing the Colors of Africa

The Parade of Nations has been very much a part of the Miss Africa USA Pageant since 2006. Each year the designers take it to the next level and the next level.  This year, a very special African fashion designer who loved the concept offered to give it a go and of course it was another mind blowing experience.  Stella Atal who flew in from Kampala after weeks of threading together beautiful designs with the colors of each participating nation in the pageant took over this show and brought out the best in each finalist on stage.   Pictured above is Queen Fifi Soumah Miss Africa USA 2010 on the Runway wearing Stella Atal’s design for Guinea during Parade of nations segment of the competition.

Pictured above, Stella Atal, the award winning African Designer from Uganda poses with pageant delegates at the finals of Miss Africa USA Pageant 2010. Left to Right, countries represented above: Liberia, Namibia, Cameroon, Guinea, Botswana, Uganda, Zambia, Ghana, Kenya and Rwanda, all dazzling in Stella Atal’s Parade of Nations Collection.

Pictured above Miss Rwanda delegate Kadija Uwimana takes a stride on the Runway, modeling Stella Atal’s Colors for Rwanda, beautifully put together and well accessorized, hair Afrocentric, shoes off the chain and the best smile, showcasing the beauty of Rwanda, a nation with a trouble past marked with genocide and civil war but now ranking as one of the fastest developing countries in Africa. Up Rwanda!!!!!!!!!!!

Another feature of Stella Atal’s designs on the Runway modeled by Miss Ghana Agnes Ntow. This little dress is beautifully put together, looks very sexy and elegant. What makes it even more appealing is the way it is modeled by Miss Ntow with lots of confidence, beautiful braids, accessories, best heels and of course the smile.

Miss Liberia finalist Tracey Weah pictured above models Stella Atal’s design for Liberia. A simple top with the colors of Liberia matched with plain Leggings, you can’t go wrong with this combination. Miss Tracey keeps it simple with beautiful accessories a contagious smile and great pose for Liberia, the nation which boasts of having the first and only female President in Africa.

This concludes the highlights of Parade of Nations. You may follow us on facebook / missafricausa  for more photos from the 2010 pageant or visit the website http://www.missafricaunitedstates.com

MISS AFRICA USA PAGEANT PROMOTES AFRICAN FASHION

Queen Fifi Soumah during Fashion competition

African Fashion, as beautiful and vibrant as it is, never gets the kind of exposure and media highlight that it deserves. Well the Miss Africa USA Pageant has embraced African Fashion and is committed to showcasing African Couture, working with Afro-centric designers to bring out the best of African Fashion on the pageant runway. Each year a number of well renowned African designers are invited to showcase their fashion lines on the pageant runway and the 2010 competition saw the best yet to grace the pageant.  Award winning designers such as Frank Osodi from Nigeria, Stella Atal from Uganda, Vera Ochia from Kenya and Akouavi Slater from Togo were all in the House, ready to take control.

African Fashion entails more than just the dress you wear, it has a lot to do with the accessories and so much more. Pictured above is Miss Twamma Nambili representing Namibia. You’ve got to love her hair piece, the Porcupine head dress, very spiky and elegant.  A beautiful smile is certainly a necessary complement for this headpiece, making it even more beautiful.  Kudos to Miss Twamma for carrying this whole ensemble with such elegance and grace.

I don’t know about you but this dress being modeled by Miss Nessie Abdulai representing Sierra Leone makes me go WOW, it is beautifully put together and well accessorized, combined with Miss Nessie’s charming smile, you’ve got to love it.  I certainly wouldn’t mind having this dress in my wardrobe for that special occasion.

Who says only renowned designers can design African Fashion? Well, Meet Miss Hilda Mauya representing Kenya on the runway.  This African Queen had a go at designing her own outfits for the pageant and of course, her pageant dresses were breath taking indeed.  She discovered her passion in designing unique styles and she is on the run with it.  Miss Hilda’s style won her the Miss Africa USA Super Model with Style Award. She is one designer we should all be looking out for.

When you think of African Fashion, Kente clothe will immediately come to mind for most people. Yes the Kente is always present on the Miss Africa USA Runway, thanks to the delegates from Ghana who always go that extra length to bring out the Best of Kente.  Pictured above is Miss Agnes Ntow representing Ghana, showcasing Kente Fashion on the Miss Africa USA Runway.  Miss Agnes won the Fashion Award 2010.

An African outfit designed by Akouavi Slater is modeled by Miss Roseline Amusu who represented Nigeria in the pageant.

Pictured above : Miss Africa USA management team members pose with Fashion designers who graced the pageant this year. L_R:  Miss Linda Arrey Pageant Manager, Vera Ochia, Frank Osodi, Lady Kate Njeuma Pageant Founder and CEO, Stella Atal, Akouavi Slater and Kyle Haggerty Pageant Production Manager.

Miss Africa USA Pageant will continue to promote African Fashion the best we can in collaboration with African Designers.  We Africans and Friends of Africa should do our best to patronize African Fashion and showcase on the global stage.

Fatoumata (Fifi) Soumah Crowned Miss Africa USA 2010

The Miss Africa USA Management team proudly presents the African Queen in America Miss Fatoumata (Fifi) Souma who will reign as Miss Africa USA 2010 – 2011. Miss Fifi was crowned at the beautiful Montgomery College Performing Arts Center in Silver Spring, Maryland, on Saturday July 24 2010.

Fifi Souma is  from the Republic of Guinea Conakry, 21 yrs old, speaks fluent French and English, Full time student at Montgomery College with a major in Communication. Fifi’s platform is to raise awareness and fight against the practice of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), promote Education of the Girl Child in Guinea and to continue as
a Goodwill Ambassador volunteering for America by teaming up
with charitable organizations across the United States to serve needy communities. According to the Judges, Fifi had a lot of poise and gleamed with confidence on stage, looked comfortable, is very talented and stood out overall.

The Pageant weekend kicked off with an elaborate VIP banquet at the University of Maryland Marriott Conference Center while the pageant show took place at Montgomery College Performing Arts Center in Silver Spring, MD. Both events were successful and sold out beyond capacity and we do apologize to those who were turned away because the PAC had no more room for anymore attendees.

A total of 32 finalists from different African countries participated in the competition and Fifi Soumah emerged as the winner. Fifi will continue to work on her Platform : raising awareness on Female Genital Mutilation and promoting education for the girl child. She will also be volunteering for America, joining major charities to help communities in need.

Miss Cameroon USA 2008-09 takes to the RUNWAY

In Oct 2008, Danielle Frankie Mingana Fochive won the title of Miss Cameroon USA 2008 and was the sole representative for the Republic of Cameroon at the 2008 Miss Africa USA Scholarship Pageant.  At that time Danielle Frankie as she is best known was a full time student at Montgomery College in Maryland, studying Radiology.  Her passion for modeling was immediately ignited after she successfully competed in the pageant and won the best Talent.

Danielle launched her career in modeling soon after the pageant while still a student.  Danielle has been working major Runways in Washington DC and New York, participating in casting calls, fashion shows and photo shoots for magazines and other media.

Danielle Frankie’s Dream is to make it to America’s Next Top Model with Tyra Banks. She is confident of her beauty and good looks and is determined to make her dream come true.  In the mean time, Danielle has participated in major Runway Shows like the DC Fashion Week,  Downtown Silver Spring Fashion Show and has worked with top African Designers from the continent.   Danielle is also broadening her scope and exploring her talent by venturing into other areas of entertainment.  She recently completed a film project with a Maryland based film production company called Callywood and has already casted for a role in an upcoming production with Cameroon Films.com.  Danielle is a young lady with many talents who is also very determined to succeed.  She is certainly one to look out for, a rising star in the Cameroon Entertainment Industry, modeling world and more.

Downtown Silver Spring Fashion Show

Photo shoot with Harold Greaves Photography.

MISS AFRICA USA VALENTINE’S DAY BALL 2010

Join the Miss Africa USA 2010 Semi finalists, the Black Dolls of Atlanta and Club Queens International for a very special Valentine’s Day Ball.

The Dress Code is  Red and White, you may have All Red or All White.

For More Information and to purchase tickets please visit

www.missafricaunitedstates.com