We had the good fortune of connecting with Benedictar Sibanda and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Benedictar, is there something you can share with us that those outside of the industry might not be aware of?
Most people assume that being a model is about just standing in front of camera and posing. What they do not know is that modelling is about persistence, endurance and confidence, without these, you will not become successful in the industry. You have to be hardworking, know your brands. Its not just about posing, there is a lot more to it.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Originally from Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. I am licenced Cabin Crew Member & Private Investigator. A brand ambassador for Moyo Beauty & Ultimate Magazine. A fashion & commercial model. Aspired actress & l have walked the runway for Uberglam fashion show & Zamzukwana Closet. Been on 2 reality tv shows in Southafrica that both aired on DSTV. Cover Model for Type4girl Magazine & was on 947(radio) office hottie for the 2022 calender & a yfm (radio) billboard finalist. I love the art of martial arts and boxing. Modelling is not just about looks. Being a model takes more than just being a pretty face, that modelling is an expressive art form that tells a statement without words. I believe that the secret to modelling is not being perfect. What one needs is a face that people can identify with in a second. You have to be given whats needed by nature & whats needed is to bring something new. Modelling is not just beauty and smile, it takes boldness and style. To think that l exist in this world that was created by so many hands. It makes my heart feel hot. I have never experienced such a comfortable tension. I grew up in a household where my family always had an eye for fashion,everyone in the household never dissapointed when it came to fashion,so I would almost say it came Naturally,However,I’ve always been a person that highly believed that in order to feel good you need to look good.I enjoy the confidence that comes with being well dressed,I always felt like myself when I was dressed at my best so that just drew me Closer to the fashion industry,I realised it was more than just clothes, it was models,a story behind a certain fashion line,the pairing of colours to make the perfect outfit and before I knew it I was a part of it which made me feel so powerful.

I have had both good & bad experiences in the industry but l have learned from the bad & thats what keeps me going. That don’t allow the bad experiences to stop you from following your dreams. I have worked with some amazing photographers like Emmy & walked the runway for some amazing designers.

My biggest accomplishment was when l became a cover model for PPMC Potrait magazine. & when l was featured in the saturday star. I am currently the face of Fragrant House and the brand ambassador for a Netherlands brand Empress Heels.

I want the world to know that l am very hardworking Model and because l love what l do, l put in the work. I want to show both boys and girls that they don’t have to be concious about their looks and body.
I would definitely advise aspiring models to be themselves,it might seem like the industry is looking for a certain type of face,body or personality but the industry is constantly evolving,what was in fashion today won’t always be in fashion. Imitating someone you perceive to be at the top might make you get a couple of gigs but you are not that person and eventually you will get tired of pretending to be someone you’re not,rather seek inspiration from the people you look up to instead of trying to be a photocopy of someone else.When you remain authentic the brands right for you will approach you and you will find it more enjoyable to work with them as you won’t have to put on a mask and pretend to be someone else.I think it is also very important to have boundaries in this industry to avoid being forced into something you are not comfortable with,know your worth and don’t let anyone try to convince you that you are not worth what you truly deserve.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I am a lover of boxing and martial arts and my bestfriend knows this. So l would take them with me to a boxing match and she will get to see her friend in the boxing ring as well. I am also a lover of finer things, so l would take her to either the saints or kream restaurant to eat and also experience Asian food from tang. Then head over to Zioux for some luxury cocktails. Hang out at the strawberry farm for some sweet strawberries. We would also check out the Elephant sanctuary, ride helicopter and horses at the Saddle Creek Adventures.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to send a shoutout to my parents for allowing me to follow my dreams. Another shoutout is for my brother, who drove me to all my auditions & made sure l am always on time & last but not least, l would like to send a shoutout to my sister, for being so supportive, being my makeup artist & stylist and always making sure l look amazing.

Instagram: benedictar_sibanda

Linkedin: Benedictar Sibanda

Twitter: benedictar_s

Facebook: Benedictar Sibanda

Youtube: Benedictar Sibanda

Other: Tiktok @benedictars

Image Credits
Emmy Photography African BigMac Legacy Photography Studio

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.