The 2012 edition of the Exopa Modelling Agency’s monthly Exopa New Face contest kicked off on an exciting note last Saturday with awesome performances by wannabe models.

All the ladies were determined but after four rounds of fierce catwalk and dancing, 20-year-old UK-based Jamaican Makedah proved herself worthy of the crown as the best model of the night. A 27-year-old Ugandan model and Business Administration Degree holder from the University of Makerere, Nissi Susan Onyok, and South African beauty Jacqueline Mhlange placed second and third respectively.

The Ghanaian ladies also put up a befitting challenge but there could only be three winners. They made it to the final six but the foreigners beat them for the top three spots. The event started at about 11pm as a result of the Ghana-Mali football match, which also affected patronage to some extent.

MC Asoreba opened the show with an introduction of what the event had in stock for the year 2012. He emphasized on giving models the platform to explore their talent. He continued by introducing all 10 contestants. Prior to that, a male model was on the runway as a teaser.

The girls then followed in their beautifully designed African outfits. This round was a bit tough for the ladies as some of them were modelling for an audience for the first time. Some were intimidated by the looks on the faces of the expectant audience, but others were also confident.

As usual, the judges were Tinny, Ebenezer, PRO of boxer Joseph Agbeko, and Joycelyn Nketia. Host of ‘Fashion 101’, Sandra Ankobiah, was a guest judge, as well one top designer. The show became more exciting during the dance category. Even the judges were not left out of the excitement as most of them applauded some of the ladies.

That segment also began with a teaser by the male model who rocked to tunes of Beyonce’s ‘Baby Boy’ featuring Sean Paul. When the girls finally hit the runway with their dance moves, it was something else. There wasn’t too much of the usual Azonto because the ladies were obviously not in tune with the steps associated with it, as most of them were foreigners.

But their moves were unique and exceptional. The judges intermittently smiled to compliment the ladies. The category was climaxed with a special Azonto dance performance by a six-year-old girl whose moves held everybody spellbound.

The contestants subsequently came on stage to introduce themselves, after which the best six were selected and finally the top three. The winner has a contract with the Exopa Modeling Agency and other juicy souvenirs including cover page articles in NEWS-ONE.

This month’s male contest didn’t take place but the event will continue every last Saturday of the month at the Exopa Burg where the event always takes place. Last Saturday’s event had music performances by Odesse, female rapper Eyram and others.