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William Masvinu

Brenda Phiri Arts Correspondent
MR UGLY contest is not like any other contest you have seen before. Unlike beauty pageants, where models go into camp for a week or so for grooming, deportment and etiquette, it is different for Mr Ugly contestants, with some only worrying about catching the next commuter omnibus to the venue on the day of the show.

There is little, if any, preparations for the would-be Mr Ugly contestants since the show’s objective is primarily entertainment.
David Machowa, who is the national co-ordinator of the contest, is on record as saying the contest is aimed at “appreciating the other side of beauty”.

But is there beauty in ugliness?
As much as it is for fun, it is not clear what Mr Ugly does and his purpose?

Promotion-wise, there is a limit to what any title holder of Mr Ugly can do since it is difficult to sell any product associated with ugliness.
Big corporates find it easy to engage beautiful models to market their products and brands whereas for Mr Ugly  can only be associated with such products as dustbins, grinding mills or sewage pipes.

Just to show that there are no preparations prior to the event, William Masvinu (pictured), the current title-holder, was approached by one of the promoters, while he was doing his errands in Mbare where he was a tout.

A few hours later, he found himself on the ramp among other contestants vying for the title in which he emerged the winner.
In other words, there is no such thing as grooming or etiquette when it comes to the Mr Ugly contest. One can simply win the contest without spending big or breaking a sweat just like in other pageantries.

So when Mr Ugly Harare contest takes centre stage tonight at the City Sports Bar, don’t expect the glitz and glamour that comes with pageantry. Instead expect to see popular dancers Beverly Sibanda and Zoey Sifelani doing what they know best on the pole. The raunchy pair is expected to spice up the contest together with Pamana Dance Group.

“It is our first time to have Bev and Zoey performing at the show. We are looking forward to their acts as they will add variety to the male-dominated contest,” Machowa said.

All is set for the show that is expected to be bigger and better although things are not looking good for title-holderMasvinu, according to the organisers.

“Reigning champion Masvinu is facing quite a challenge and he certainly needs to up his game if he intends to retain his title this year. We had a preparatory party on Tuesday at Holly’s Hotel were contestants came together before the big day. Winning the title is not going to be a walk in the park,” he said

The seven-year-old contest has since taken a twist this year as stakes are higher than before for the winner.
“Mr Ugly will win US$1 500, an improvement from the previous years. We have already secured endorsement deals as part of the winning package, thanks to key sponsor Biggie Chinoperekwei,” he said.

Judges have already been brought into the capital from Beitbridge and Bulawayo; a measure Machowa feels will ensure fairness.
Contest president Dominic Gwatirisa will be officiating at the event that is also expected to be graced by players in the corporate world.
The national contest will be held later on in December and winners from other pageants will take part.

The contestants will parade on the ramp in different categories that include everyday wear, funny wear and traditional wear.
“The show began as a fun pageant although they have since taken a professional approach to it.

“We are hoping to take it regionally after this as we have already been approached by organisations from South Africa and Namibia who are looking to host their own versions of it,” he concluded.