MISS AFRICA IRELAND

Oh, my my-my, I am still laughing with memories of Friday; I attended the 13th edition of Miss Africa Ireland last Friday; I must confess, I wasn’t expecting to have fun, but I did. We got there early, but as usual with Nigerians, they never turned up on time. We were about 20 people in the hall, honestly; it was no fault of the organisers, but Nigerians who have the habit of coming to events 3hrs or more later (frowning). The show couldn’t start at the time it was supposed to start (6:30) because you could not start a show with an almost empty hall, so the waiting game began. Thank God for the Organisers, who were gracious enough to provide finger food for everybody kai the food was excellent, and eventually, people started trekking in as if it was their event. There and then, I made up my mind never to go late to an event again (Holy Ghost take control).

Thank God for mercies. The event proper began with the pretty young contestants coming on stage to introduce themselves with excitement and hope written on their faces. After which, a comedian came on stage to do his thing, trust typical Primrose, and it wasn't working for me (in my Omotola Ekinde voice). I wasn't moved; on a scale of 1 to 10, I will give him a 6 for effort and a 7 for confidence (e try). The contestant came out to tell us why and how they keep fit, they all did well, but a particular contestant made me almost switch off. She said she danced to keep fit (no biggie); she started gyrating on stage hmm, things that make you go hmmm then gbam!!! A split, what!!! (oh no, she didn't) and you honestly want to be a beauty queen? (In my Simon Cowell voice). Thank God I wasn't a judge or voting; believe me, I would have been stingy with my marks. For more, click on read more.

Mr Comedian came on stage to do his thing a second time whilst the contestant went back to change into their traditional attire. I went to help the contestants with their gele, so I didn't see what went on, but everybody was okay and having fun.

The contestants filled in and were asked to tell us about their attire and where it originated; they all spoke well. My friend, the split contestant, went on about how her dad met her mother, why she was dressed in Iro and Buba bla bla bla with eyes rolling seductively (yawns nextttt). All in all, the contestant looked gorgeous. The best answer came from contestant no 7, who gave us a brief history of her country for talking about her outfit. A potential queen should have charisma, comportment and finesse. I hope the judges saw everything wrong with that.

The day's highlight for me was a performance by a group introduced as Black Ice. They all looked gorgeous, apart from two contestants who mistook party dresses for evening dresses. The organiser's daughter gave an impressive performance; well done, girly. Then it was time for the contestants to come out in their evening dresses. I was looking forward to this segment (I love evening dresses even though I don't usually wear them).

The question and answer segment were fun and impressive; the contestant answered their questions very well, I must say. One, in particular, was asked who the prime minister of Britain is (laughing in my dialect); her answer was JOHN LENON, seriously? JOHN LENON (shuoo oghene biko o hor). It was fun waiting to hear the results, and it was fun to hear people screaming the names and numbers of their favourite contestants ha ha ha ha my friend even made placards for her daughter who was contesting and made us cry no five, any no 5 ha ha ha ha I had to scream at the top of my voice before dem leave me to trek home from city centre ha ha ha ha ha. Finally, the results were called, and pretty Edo state-born Osuemhe Ughonoh beat other contestants to emerge the queen, well-done judges.

Okay, everybody knows I always have something to say. It may be nonsense to some people but remember, in every nonsense, there is always sense; I say this with love and sincerity, people.

In my days as a beauty pageant contestant, we were put in a camp for a couple of days (2 weeks). We were taught comportment, catwalk and choreography, manners/etiquettes, and name it. We were never seen, except for the press, who normally come around for interviews and stuff. Or when we go on excursions, even on the day of the event. We were allowed out when it was time for the contest, and guests got to see us on stage. At Miss Africa Ireland, the contestants were mingling with the guests. I needed clarification, and I needed help figuring out why.

Another thing I noticed was the catwalk; it was as if they weren't taught how to the catwalk and pose onstage during rehearsals. Finally, there were no talent segment contestants must showcase their talent. We want to see a queen with beautiful brains and talents.

Best traditional outfit contestant no 5

Best personality contestant no 2

Contestant no 8 is elegant

Worst evening dresses contestants no 2 and 4

Contestant no 1 is very eloquent/ most fluent

 This beauty pageant is the second event organised by Tritees Promotion that I am attending; the first was the Ankara carnival. It was interesting, and I had mad fun. Would I attend another Tritees event? A BIG YES!!!!!!!

See you next year guys, kudos Tritees(big smile)