:: Welcome to African Echo - The Voice of Africa ::

MR. & MISS East Africa- UK 2008 contest was bound to go into history with the innovative pageant showcasing the inherited good looks of descents from Eastern part of Africa. The geography of East Africa is often stunning and scenic. Shaped by global plate tectonic forces that have created the Great Rift Valley, East Africa is the site of Kilimanjaro and Mount Kenya, the two tallest peaks in Africa. It also includes the world’s second largest freshwater lake, Lake Victoria, and the world’s second deepest lake, Lake Tanganyika.

Whilst aiming to raise funds for suffering children the founder and chief coordinator of the pageant, Pauline Long, is showcasing the beauty of the region through the extraordinary physique and elegance of the contestants.

With the crowning of the first ever Mr East Africa UK, the third Miss East Africa UK and the surprise crowning of Miss Kenya UK, it was an event that encompassed extended thrill through every segment.

Vicky Njoki Ngari-Wilson, who represented Kenya, emerged the winner of the prestigious title of Miss Kenya UK 2008 in which Pauline Long was one of the judges.

However everyone was overwhelmed with shock when she as well became the favourite for a team of 14 high profile judges to emerge as the winner of the coveted title Miss East Africa UK 2008.

The sold out show, which was a fundraising for Kenyan children’s charities that took in children that were affected by the post election violence earlier in the year, took place at the Bloomsbury Theatre in Central London.

The event attracted diverse audience; East Africans, Britons, people from other parts of Africa, Canada, US and France.

The highlight of the night was the display of the different East African traditional attire which featured Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Malawi, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Sudan and Somalia. Each of the 40 male and female contestants modelled their creation in front of a very cheerful crowd. Meanwhile the uniform attire, designed and made by Pauline Long, with an excellent choreography, left the crowd amazed at how much preparation had been put in the contest.

This was a beauty pageant with a twist. The evening wear section had a variety of classic designs ranging from gowns, designed by Corset Art, and men’s shirts designed by Tamara Johnson.

When asked what she intends to do with her titles Vicky said, “The two titles are bigger than me. I am so overwhelmed and excited. This year something has to happen, something big for the children. This is a gift from God. He has given me the key to open the doors of the entire East Africa and beyond.”

As Miss Kenya UK, Vicky will be working closely with the organisers of Miss Kenya UKSACOMA (Sahara Community Abroad).

Meanwhile, the first ever Mr. East Africa UK title was scooped by Ugandan born Alan Semugabi who seemed very popular with both the crowd and the judges. When asked what he thought of his crown Alan said, “I thought I didn’t have the chance to win. When you visit Africa people think, coming from Europe you are special and rich, but I want to show the children that we are all equal and I want them to know that we acknowledge them. I will do my best to help make changes for underprivileged children.” Both Mr and Miss East Africa UK 2008, Alan and Vicky, are set to visit Kenya soon to deliver goods and funds to Rafiki Children’s Home and Hope the Child Orphanage. Proceeds will also go to Forever Angels Baby Home in Tanzania and One-Open-Eye charity in Uganda. Mr and Miss East Africa UK 2008 are also set to make history by being the first faces of The Shout Campaign: A campaign that is aiming to bring a lasting relief to the impoverished African children. The campaign, established by Pauline Long, will involve Africans in Africa and in the Diaspora. Asked why there was a need for such a campaign, Pauline replied, “It’s time to give the African children back their voices, we are going to do so by knocking on doors and working closely with Africans including the leaders.”

Please email your comments to
editor@africanecho.co.uk