Anyone who witnessed the number of young models who thronged the head office of Ecobank Ghana in Accra on Saturday, October 30, to audition for the Future Face Africa competition would have gone home knowing that modelling is now big business in Ghana.

Future Face Africa is a new talent search, which is hoping to be the largest model scouting competition in Africa. The search train made a stop was in Ghana last Saturday, October 30 and in all about 150 people turned up for the auditions.

Addressing the media at a briefing which preceded the auditions, head scout for Future Face Africa, Thompson Chijioke explained the rationale behind the initiative.

“The past decade has witnessed a meteoric rise in the recognition and appreciation for African models and African fashion all over the world. But there is still so much untapped potential waiting to be discovered from the continent and in comes Future Face Africa.

“This explosive new talent search will focus on attracting thousands of candidates within Africa to take part. Candidates who will be selected will be part of 12 finalists competing for a chance to win a two-year international modelling contract with a top international modelling agency and a $5,000 cash prize given to both the winning female and male models selected.”

Graphic Showbiz spoke to some hopefuls who said they hoped to make a good career out of modelling. One of them, Alimatu Yussif said coming for the audition was a step in making her dream come true.

“I love modelling, it is something I want to do for a long time so when I heard of this audition, I decided to take advantage of it because it will not only boost my career but will help me get the international appeal that I want. I pray I make it through.”

Another contestant, Jessica Mako said, “I love it and it is my dream to learn from professionals and be on international platforms. The organisers of this audition represent that so I am happy to be part of this, contesting for a slot.”

For Nancy Jonathan, this opportunity will help her make ends meet. “We have often neglected the fact that when you do it and do it right, you will make money from it and that is one of my motivations for trying my luck. Apart from that, modelling is something I have always wanted to do, it feels like I was born for it.”

Nigeria’s Elizabeth Elohor, a pioneer in the African modelling industry and founder of Africa’s largest modelling agency Beth Model Management Africa, is spearheading the Future Face Africa project.