Nyasha Matonhodze – The Model who hates seeing a person who doesn’t appreciate themselves

Nyasha Matonhodze

The Model who hates seeing a person who doesn’t appreciate themselves

By Tapfuma Machakaire      23/1/2023

 

There is a warped belief that all young black African girls who rise to become top models in the so called developed world are discovered by some enterprising entrepreneurs out there. Zimbabwean born British model Nyasha Matonhodze who in May 2022 was selected as the face of Rihanna’s Fenty Beauty Africa’s global launch somehow got used to being asked the irritating question, “Who discovered you?”

A write up on Nyasha posted on July 5, 2011 in Bellazon, a female fashion models website, reads in part, “Hailing from Northampton, Zimbabwean born Matonhodze was discovered in her school uniform at Elite model agency in 2009….” Other publications have written that “legend has it that Nyasha Matonhodze was discovered at a shopping centre in London.” But Nyasha has always insisted that her “discovery wasn’t’ a discovery.”  She owes her entry into modeling and her success in the business to her hard working mother.

Born on July 31, 1995 in Zimbabwe, Nyasha Matonhodze was raised by her grandmother after her mother had moved to London when she (Nyasha) was still very young.  “I was raised in a cultural, traditional household. It’s much different than the British culture where my mom lived.”

She said she was sent to boarding school at the age of five to learn English while her mother was creating a home for her family in England.

“So every day I would ask God to send me back to my mum. I missed her so much!”

Nyasha moved to England when she was eight and she still has memories of her time in Zimbabwe, “I still have memories of Zimbabwe, falling asleep in the sand, bathing outside and the warmth of the sun”.

She says her mother was a single parent who moved to London at the age of 18 without knowing anyone in that country.

On how she became a model, Nyasha says she was fourteen when her mother and stepfather went into Elite Models to see if she could actually model. “Ever since I was 12, I was tall and thin so I would always get the whole –“you should be a model bit,” but I never really took it seriously. I went into this career thinking I could model casually, but I never thought I’d actually become one.”

She says she became serious about becoming a model after watching the television show America’s Next Top Model. “Seriously, that’s when it all changed for me. Everything I wanted was pretty much based on that show.”

Nyasha kicked off her modelling career at the age of 16 when she won Elite Model Look UK in 2009. She signed a contract with Elite Models in Paris and Milan and walked for brands that included Louis Vuitton, LOEWE, and Emmanuel Ungaro in her debut season. The stunning model has appeared in editorials for Harper’s Bazaar, Teen Vogue, Allure and Vogue.

On how she felt being the Face of Fenty Beauty Africa Nyasha said it had not fully sunk in.

“I have always been a huge fan of Rihanna and admired how she consistently pushes boundaries when it comes to growing her empire. I also love how Fenty is for black people by black people. My agent really did a lot of work and I am grateful for the final product, which is where I am right now.”

Robyn Rihanna launched Fenty Beauty in 2017 in 17 countries. The project has a vision of inclusivity and global reach at its core, she sought to help everyone feel beautiful and recognized, no matter their race ethnicity culture or personal style. Rihanna, an American musician is also known for her involvement in humanitarian causes, entrepreneurial ventures in the fashion industry.

Nyasha told American GQ Magazine that she stepped into the industry at a young age with little to no understanding of the business.

“Twelve years later the saying, experience is the best teacher’ really resonates with me. With over a decade of experience in the business I have learnt so much, but most importantly I have learnt a lot about myself.”

She said she is looking forward to groom other models and get them into spaces they deserve to be in. “I truly enjoy building communities and being able to give knowledge to other creatives that are trying to get into the fashion industry.”

Her advice to upcoming young models is: “Have fun, it will all work out.”

Her best friend in the modelling world is Sudanese model Ajak. “Usually you have to try hard to make friends, but with her, we found a comfort zone and just clicked instantly. “She’s talkative and bubbly, kind of the opposite of me. I adore her.”

Nyasha’s favourite book is the Bible as she believes it tells people how good they are, and what they can do for others.

She has been described as a very compassionate model who likes to make people feel confident in themselves. “I hate to see a person who doesn’t appreciate himself/herself,” said Nyasha.

Nyasha was nominated as a young achiever in the 2015 Zimbabwe International Women Awards, which celebrates Zimbabwean women who have made a contribution to the community.

She last visited Zimbabwe more than three years ago and this is what she says about her country; “It’s so lovely, they’re happy with who they are and their traditions. I love going back home.”