We are in the phase of crowning the next beauty queen ‘Miss Malaika 2018’ to join the league of 2018 crowned queens, mounting to the end of beauty pageants competition this year.
The ultimate goal of every delegate from day one of auditioning to the final stage where the winner is mentioned is to take on the coveted crown of the pageant. To win is everything to the contestant and her supporters, but the one thing that Ghanaian beauty pageants have taught us is the reality of the life lived after the pageant. The winner is obviously given money and endorsement deals as part of prize package, living runners up and finalists to their own faith.
Few have been heard of again in the showbiz industry after their cameo on pageant shows to the extent of some winners not been recognized anymore by blogs and sites after their reign. However, in our quest to debunk the cliché tagged along with the not winners of the competition as losers in life, we take a dig inside the life of five female Ghanaian celebrities, who are of no doubt buzzing the most liked photos on Instagram at the moment, whiles staying winning in their careers. Their achievements by far, we say are worth emulating.
Sandra Ankobiah
The ever pretty face lawyer and style goddess Sandra Ankobiah emerged 1st runner up in the 2002 edition of the Miss Ghana competition. After missing out on what was then her dream, Sandra has risen to become one of the most famous female lawyers of our time, doubling it up with a killer, but not murder fashion style that raids on every red carpet and corporate event. She has over the years signed on to ambassadorial deals plus engaged in humanitarian duties making her a recognizable figure and mentor to many in the legal fence of career paths and showbiz industry.
Yvonne Nelson
Arguably one of the most revered actresses in Africa and most followed Ghanaian celebrity on social media, Yvonne Nelson. The 1-year-old mother after her Miss Ghana 2005 fall-out in winning the crown did not call it quits. Her rise to fame in 2006, which is technically a year after the pageant has in the decade of her acting career won enviable award plagues and gained admirable recognition in Ghana and beyond the shores of Africa as well. Her tally as one of the highest paid and respected actresses in Africa continues to add up as brands and producers continue to sought after her for face covers and lead roles to sell their films and products. Ranging from beauty products to magazine covers, the Yvonne Nelson brand shoots bigger and better than the coveted Miss Ghana title.
Berla Mundi
When it comes to jotting down voices you want to hear on radio every afternoon in Accra and faces you want to see on TV late afternoon every day, the name Berla Mundi pretty much tops the list of roll call. The award winning media personality was once a contestant and 2nd runner of the prestigious Miss Malaika Ghana pageant in 2010, which she is now the host of. Her break into the showbiz industry shortly after the pageant has been nothing disappointing, but blessing to radio and TV lovers. Aside gnashing the Oprah African title for herself, she also embodies the Rihanna African version when we talk of style.
Roselyn Ashkar
Apparently, models in Ghana were short off in the early 2000s coming down to the double digits following the 20. Roselyn Ashkar, certainly not the name of the 2010 Miss Malaika winner, but certainly the name of an international super model. Based in South Africa, Roselyn brings to life the lenses of every digital camera that chance on her unaware or in a ventilated studio. The idea of Imam, Naomi Campbell Oluchi and the Tyra Banks of the 90s is rebooted in the 21st century, kind courtesy of Roselyn Ashkar.
Kafui Danku
The camera in her hand says it all! not every disappointed beauty queen aspirant foresees a future outside the pageant and crown. Many deem the title to be the only way to accomplish higher heights, but that’s missing in the dictionary books of the award winning actress/producer Kafui Danku. A proud alum of the 2004 edition of Miss Ghana beauty pageant, Kafui has withstood the odds by becoming one of the leading women behind and in front the cameras of African cinemas. Her featured movie roles are countless and endless. Her box office record settings are enviable and above all she has the cutest little girl for a daughter.
By: Larry Adams
