Model, actor, radio personality, Tove Kangotue is here to take over the scene. Find out about his journey in this edition of Model Update.
My name is Tove Jeomba Kangotue and I was born and raised in the capital, I am currently 23 years of age and .I just obtained my first qualification from the University of Namibia this month, which is an Honors degree in Media studies (PR) and English studies.
Persistent and driven, well spoken, social, energetic and I would like to call myself a part time charmer, lol
How long have you been in the modelling industry? How did that start?
I’ve been in the industry since my first year at University, 2014, as for how I started, well it’s a weird story.
I was just walking around campus and one of the final year design students at UNAM walked up to me and said he loves my walk and that I would be perfect for his collection, I was sketchy and frightened at first but once I stepped on that runway I knew the RAMP WAS MY HOME!
What do you love about what you do?
The adrenaline of stepping on stage is always a drug I find breathtaking, in addition, being able to bring the designers/directors story to life and be part of the creative process.
I am a creative by heart and I love challenging myself to try new characters every time I’m on the ramp/stage or in front of a camera.
And lastly, the bonds and connections you make as a creative are so life changing, you learn life lessons from people who have different backgrounds, knowledge and experience.
What do you appreciate about the industry, what would you take away?
I appreciate the fact that we have recently found the value of collaboration in the industry, this is important as we are not individuals anymore but we become one under the umbrella of that specific project hence developing our industry.
I also love people who are taking risks to develop our industry.
As for what I would take away is the stereotype that the arts/entertainment industry is an easy industry. Audiences only tend to see the end product and be like “I can do that”, “modeling is just walking”. But the question is can you really? Can you take a “NO YOUR NOT WHAT WE LOOKING FOR” at auditions, the need to be perfect, rehearsals, standing up against being exploited , public scrutiny and the list goes on.
Do you think there are enough opportunities? What’s lacking?
Not really? The industry is not well funded at all and this leads to a lack of funds to pay models and performers what they deserve.
Namibia has a lot of talented models but they are undervalued and they can’t even make modeling a career.
Your dream modelling gig?
Uhmm one that pays me well so I can retire early and travel the world. Lol
If you asked me this three years ago I would have probably said America’s Next Top Model or mentioned some top brands. But now I just really want to attend fashion weeks all over Africa and get to learn different languages, eat great food and just be a CREATIVE.
Your favourite model?
I don’t want to be removed from the models WhatsApp groups that’s why I’m not choosing. I currently just love people who are doing something different, crazy or being part of a creative milestone.
Brands you’d want to work with? Local and international?
Locally SYNEDGY, Ingo Shanyenge, House of Poulton, Taati Sibolele and Nineteen April (XIX APRIL). I want my all male collections please. I would also love to work with Moshions from Rwanda and House of Saint Luke from SA.
Runway or commercial?
Runway
Plans for the year?
Put my degree to work, develop my skills and lastly to travel anywhere beyond these borders, yes I’m part of the 1% that have not been out of the country. Lol
Follow Tove on Instagram to see what else he gets up to.
