Reflo Magazine 3rd edition 2021

FEATURE
MALETA TALKS 13 YEARS OF MODELING
It is overwhelming to hear a
male fashion model excelling
as modeling is much viewed
to be involved with girls.
Born Naphy Maleta aged 28,
a Malawian fashion model
based in Pretoria, South
Africa, share his 13 years of
experience in modeling.
Inspired by Donnell Blaylock
Jnr, Maleta ventured into the
fashion modeling industry
back in 2008 when he was in
high school.
Maleta, who left for South
Africa in 2016, claims that
Malawi doesn’t offer good
opportunities to male models
as compared to other
countries.
“South Africa has more
opportunities than Malawi for
male models. I also wanted to
learn more about modeling
over here,” he says.
The model has managed to
take part in the distinguished
gentleman fashion show,
Mzuzu fashion week and
Fashion Malawi Edition Fame.
Just like any other field, the
model says he has gained a
lot of experience through his
13-years of modeling.
“I’ve gained new knowledge.
Being a model exposes one
to different life skills, such as
posture, poise, confidence
and good communication
skills. You can apply these
skills to other careers. Models
acquire good communication
skills after interacting with
different personalities in the
industry.”
Despite having memorable
experiences, the model
laments that issues of
payments remain a challenge
in the industry.
“Sometimes you can go to
work and never get paid
the amount of money you
agreed on, regardless of the
kind of model you are and
the region,” He laments.
Even though he encounters
these problems, Maleta
encourages those who
desire to be in the fashion
modeling industry to follow
their dreams whenever they
can.
He further explained that
there are no academic
qualifications for one to join
modeling.
“No formal educational
credential is required to
become a model. Specific
requirements depend on
the client, with different
jobs requiring physical
characteristics. However,
models must be within
certain ranges of height,
weight and clothing size.”
Apart from being a fashion
model, Maleta is also a
business man. He sees himself
as an expert in the modeling
industry where others will seek
help, ideas and strategies.
Reflo Magazine 3rd Edition 2021
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