Up until the mid-1980s, you could count the number of contestants from this continent competing in this pageant with the fingers in one hand. But as the roster of this pageant progressively grew over the years, the contestants from this continent almost grew correspondingly. However, it doesn't necessarily mean that the biggest African turnout was during the time of the biggest overall turnout--in 2013, though there were a record 127 contestants and Africa's turnout of 22 wsa impressive, their biggest turnout was actually in 2017 where among 118 total delegates there were 25 from this continent. And even with a slight overall reduction of contestants to 112 this year, this is the year that this continent delivered its record turnout as it fielded 26. And contestants from this continent has emerged to be increasinly competitive especially with their mix of overachieving, articulate, and committed ladies for their advocacies, that they are bringing forth some major crown contenders, especially one particular lady who was making a major splash in almost all the fast-track events.
ANGOLA - Florinda José. She's a great looking lady who unfortunatly doesn't seem to have any social media savvy or support as her own page on the Miss World site was threadbare without even an introduction video or BWAP video. She failed to figure in any fast-track event so she's very much an also-ran.
BOTSWANA - Lesego Chombo. She seems to be following the trajectory of the last edition's 2nd runner-up from Cote D'Ivoire, Olivia Yace, as she's a dominant presence in the fast-track events. First, she secured her Top 40 slot by being one of the five winners of the Head-to-Head challenge. She also was the top African performer in Top Model, her BWAP project (called the Genesis Project, helping impoverished families develop tools to create healthier and nurturing environments for their children) was among the Top 10 finalists, she got to perform during the BWAP gala as one of the 14 Talent finalists (she sang and played acoustic guitar), and made the shortlist in Sports. I have a feeling if they announced a shortlist in Multimedia, she probably would've made that list, too. It would be nice to see her break through and win it all and become an icon like Miss Universe 1999 Mpule Kwelagobe. Will that dream be achieved?
CAMEROON - Julia Samantha Edima. She's a model, actress and businesswoman who seems well-spoken and possesses a master's degree. She hasn't figured in any fast-track shortlist, but it looks like we should not count her out as she can possibly impress the MWO insiders and judges in interview.
COTE D'IVOIRE - Mylene Djihony. She is not making waves like her predecessor, Miss World 2021/22 2nd runner-up Olivia Yace, but she seems to be a worthwhile contender even as she failed to figure in any fast-track event.
ETHIOPIA - Rgat Afewerki Ybrah. She's a great-looking woman like most contestants from her country but she seems to be a tad lower key than the other Africans out there. However, she got herself a highlight as her designer dress was cited as the best from her region.
GHANA - Miriam Xodasi. She made the cut in Top Model and Sports. She seems well-spoken and polished so she may have a possible path to the Top 40.
GUINEA - Makia Bamba. She facially reminds me of comedian Wanda Sykes and you know this comedian and pageants (or any conventional notion of beauty and femininity) don't go well together. So it's unlikely she'll deliver and duplicate the Top 40 feat of her predecessor, Nene Bah.
GUINEA-BISSAU - Mirla Ferreira Dabó. She makes a slightly distinctive presence with her relatively short hair, but she failed to figure in any fast-track so she seems to be an also-ran.
KENYA - Chantou Kwambo. She made the cut in the Head-to-Head challenge and Sports, and like many of her predecessors in this pageant, she possesses what I dub SDE (Spontaneous Dignified Eloquence) so she might have an inside track of making the Top 40.
LESOTHO - Poelano Mothisi. Her kind of proportions would make her a possible diversity choice if she competed in Miss Universe, but I have a feeling even if this pageant doesn't focus much about body shape and proportions anymore, those very qualities may give her a tough time making an impression in this pageant.
LIBERIA - Veralyn Vonleh. She missed the Opening Ceremony, but she made a positive impression as she resembles singer Brandy.
MADAGASCAR - Ansaly Rajoelina. She made a splash by being shortlisted in the Head-to-Head challenge and she exudes a lot of sincerity in her presence. She may not be as polished and charismatic as others out there, but her sincerity seems to be a quality that might win over MWO insiders and judges. Making the Sports fast-track is another feather in her cap.
MAURITIUS - Liza Gundowry. She's actually good looking and she actually seems to impress in her i videos as she seems to be an overachiever, so it seems frustrating she failed to figure in any fast-track event. Would the host country's traditional strong ties to this country help her shore up her fortunes and still make the Top 40? Or can she end up another Holly Carpenter award nominee?
COMING UP: MOROCCO to ZIMBABWE
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