Kachoka crowned Ms True African Queen

Constance Kachoka was crowned Miss True African Queen at a glamorous final held at Sunbird Capital in Lilongwe on Friday night.

Kachoka, 23, outclassed seven other big bodied women to become the second queen of the beauty contest (formerly Miss Matofotofo) founded by events manager Lwazi Mbowa in 2010. She took over the crown from Florence Banda, who is now the director of the big-is-beautiful  pageant.

Among the notable names at the finale were Lilongwe South East Parliamentarian Willard Gwengwe, Lilongwe City Council Chief Executive Officer Kelvin Mmangisa, Miss Malawi Susan Mtegha and Deputy Minister of Gender Jennipher Chilunga, who was the guest of honour.

Majestically and gorgeously, Kachoka, who took over the Miss True African Queen Lilongwe from Banda’s namesake last year, emerged outstanding in talent show and different wears—cultural, office, casual and traditional—to impress a panel of four judges, including Big Brother three finalist Hazel Warren.

In an interview after the event, Kachoka dubbed the result “a great achievement”.

“The competition was tight and all contestants were competitive, but God was on my side. I have embraced the title with all my heart and I’m ready to serve it,” said the business lady.

She promised to continue with the charity projects she started after replacing the deposed Miss Matofotofo Lilongwe last year.

Among the winners, the judges named Mzuzu’s Emma Manda First Princess, Blantyre-based Ellena Chiwaula as second princess and Mzuzu’s Nancy Chisale Miss Personality.

For their feats, Kachoka received a live Goat, K75 000, two nights at Sunbird Capital and hampers from PSI and Carlsberg Malawi; Manda received K30 000 and Chiwaula K20 000. The two also got a live goat and hampers from PSI and Carlsberg.

Discrediting philosophies which despise big bodies as ugly, the pageant attracted hundreds of people from all spectrums of life.

In her speech, Chilunga said the biggies’ contest adds value to the tourism sector while celebrating beauty in a unique way.

She, however, asked Malawians to support the pageant and avoid discriminating those who have big bodies.

Similarly, pageant founder Mbowa said she was happy to see the initiative growing. She encouraged women to take modelling as serious business.

“Since its introduction, the competition in the pageant is getting higher. However, people consider modelling as a casual activity which is not the case in many countries. Modelling is a career on its own and I want this to happen here in Malawi in the few years to come,” said Mbowa.

And added Banda, who handed over the crown to Kachoka: “This year’s final has proved that the pageant is growing. However, many big bodied women are still keeping their beauties and talents in the homes.”

The event was spiced up with live music performances by Lulu and Lucius Banda.