Iman & Oluchi to judge M-Net Face Of Africa 2010 finale

Iman, one of the world’s premier supermodels, will be on the judges’ panel to select the M-Net Face of Africa 2010 at the glittering live finale this Saturday.

She will share the enviable task of selecting Africa’s next catwalk superstar with a team of experienced judges from across the continent, including inaugural Face of Africa winner Oluchi.

Iman began her career in 1975 as a model. The daughter of an African diplomat, Iman was born in Somalia and grew up speaking five languages. She studied political science at Nairobi University where she was discovered by legendary photographer Peter Beard.She is muse to fashion designers including YVES. St. Laurent, Versace, Calvin Klein and Donna Karan. During her 14 years as a model, she worked with top photographers Helmut Newton, Richard Avedon, Irving Penn and Annie Liebovitz.

Iman is founder and CEO of IMAN Cosmetics, Skincare and Fragrances, a beauty company that created the first cosmetics and skincare collection designed for women of all skin colours. IMAN Cosmetics, Skincare and Fragrances are sold throughout the world including the United States, Canada, United Kingdom (UK), France, Brazil, Africa and Caribbean countries. In addition to running a global beauty company, Iman is actively involved in several charities, including The Childrens Defence Fund, For all Kids Foundation, and Action Against Hunger.

Being named as M-Net’s inaugural Face of Africa established Oluchi as one of the most sought after faces in the business and she remains one of the busiest New York-based female models in fashion today. Within a year of winning Face of Africa, Oluchi achieved what few African models before her had done – she moved to New York and made an immediate connection with the world of art and beauty.

Renowned photographer Steven Meisel captured her image for powerhouse publications Vogue and Elle and before long, the young Nigerian beauty was gracing international catwalks for the likes of John Galliano, Ralph Lauren and Giorgio Armani.

Her current portfolio includes work for Clinique and L’Or?al make-up, Victoria’s Secret, H&M, Lancome, Cadillac, Macy’s, Gianfranco Ferre, Bergdorf Goodman, Banana Republic and Gap, to name but a few.Oluchi is an inspiration to many women in Africa and across the globe, a fashion icon, a mother to 2-year- old Ugo, wife to top New York-based designer Luca Orlandi and Director of her own model agency, O Model Africa.

Other judges will include Josie Borain, Megan Kruger, John Kaveke, David Tlale, Nduka Obaigbena, and Helen Jennings. Botswana’s Kaone Kario, will share the stage with Kenya’s Fareed Khimani as presenters of the live finale. The finale will be broadcast on DStv’s M-Net channel at  19:00 CAT.

The FOA finale takes place this Saturday. Tune in to M-Net at 19:00 CAT to see your Top 10 take to the Catwalk once more as the glamorous event is broadcast live from Lagos!

The Top 10 Face of Africa finalists are as follows, click on their names to watch their first profile videos and see how much your favourite has grown as a model since Bootcamp.

* Ernania Manuel – Mozambique

* Blessing Bassey – Nigeria

* Diana Nekoye Sifuna – Kenya

* Esperanca Vemba – Angola

* Lilian Mduda – Tanzania

* Lukando Nalungwe – Zambia

* Marvis Chinelo Offor – Nigeria

* Rosanna Hall – Zimbabwe

* Thembi Kobedi – South Africa

* Tholakele Dlamini – Zimbabwe

The exciting 2010 Face of Africa Finale will be broadcast live on Saturday 6 February 2010.

The highly anticipated finale will be broadcast live from the Eko Hotel Exhibition Centre in Lagos, Nigeria.

Entry to this event is strictly by invitation only, but tune in to your favourite channel from 19:00 CAT to watch as the Top 10 take to the runway and the winner is crowned.