BY KUDZAI CHITSATSO
HARARE model Panashe Murandu says the recipe to success is hard work, attributing this to his phenomenal rise in the dog-eat-dog modelling sector.
In a recent interview with Standard Style Murandu said passion pushed him to take up modelling as a career, but hard work pushed him to stardom.
“I always loved modelling, art and fashion when l was growing up and that pushed me to become a model,” Murandu said.
“I have, however, worked hard to be successful in this career path that I undertook three years ago.”
The youthful model started modelling in 2019 when he joined Top Model Zimbabwe where he was groomed and nurtured.
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“After I completed my course, l could not get opportunities because l didn’t know who to approach at that time and so I contacted Top Model boss Karin Coric via Facebook,” he said.
“That time l was pestering a lot of modelling agencies here in Zimbabwe and Top Model responded positively and l paid my grooming lessons before they signed me.”
Murandu did not take long to win an accolade and in 2020 he won the Most Promising award.
“I won the Most Promising gong at the Zimbabwe Models Awards which pushed me because by that time I knew someone was following my work,” he said.
“Last year l got a chance to participate in an international pageant held in the Philippines where l represented Zimbabwe and l won two special awards – the Best Personality and Best Introduction.
“I am the reigning Mr. Zimbabwe Brand Ambassador and l also participated in the Mr. Zimbabwe pageant and walked away with the crown.
“Among other achievements I have received are the Best Male Model award which l won last year at Chengetedza Fashion and Handcraft Show and l am the brand ambassador for Ster Kinekor Joina city.”
Murandu also works with brands such as Batsirai Funeral Services, DK Mannequins, Vogue Star and Yanaya, among others.
He is looking forward to more success in the New Year.
“A lot of projects are coming this year and I am hoping it will be a successful year because I am still growing,” Murandu said.
“Apart from modeling l am an actor.
“I starred in alocal movie called Zavala and l was the main character Zavala who was a troublemaker.
“l went on to join theater in 2021 with Elysium where l got a chance to play a chained character in a production called Mercy seat.
“I went on to join another group from Chitungwiza known as Ngano this group did ngano projects we performed a play called Shumbaldo where my character was a drip guy .
“We performed at Theater Arts Gathering (TAG) festival and literature international festival here in Harare.”
Murandu also shared advice to upcoming models; “Success is endeavour including modeling it is gained painstakingly and consistently.”
“It is a jungle out there but with prayers and right attitude you will make it, a can’t stop won’t stop the sky can only be the starting point,” he said.