See the first-ever beauty queens from Africa

February 24, 2019 at 05:00 pm | ENTERTAINMENT

ELIZABETH OFOSUAH JOHNSON | Staff Writer

Miss Ghana 1957

Beauty pageants have become one of the most important aspects of the world’s entertainment industry since the first international competition was organised in London in 1951.

The main aim of Miss World and every other pageant that followed suit was to uplift the self-image of women showcasing beauty and intelligence for the world to see. It was also a way of helping young girls around the world to feel good about themselves.

Many African countries began to catch on with beauty pageants after their independence.

We take a look at the first beauty queens from 13 African countries and when they won it.

Miss Ivory Coast 1956 – Marthe Niankoury

Marthe Niankoury became the first beauty queen in French-speaking Ivory Coast when she won the Miss Ivory Coast competition in 1956.

Norma Vorster – Miss South Africa 1956

The first Miss South Africa was organised in 1956 in Apartheid South Africa. At the time, only white women were allowed to partake in the pageant and represent the nation in the Miss World event. In 1956, Norma Vorster became the first Miss South Africa. Despite several appeals by Black South Africans to have black women in the contest, women of all races were only allowed to contest in the Miss South Africa pageant in 1992.

Theresa Shayo – Miss Tanzania 1967

The first beauty Queen in Tanzania was crowned in 1967 when Miss Theresa Shayo won the Miss Tanzania pageant. Theresa was not allowed to represent her country in the 1967 Miss World event due to the lack of support form her home country. In 1968, the government banned all beauty pageants in the country on the basis that it did not conform to moral values. The next beauty pageant was 30 years later in 1994.

Miss Senegal 1960 – Fatou Ba

On April 4, 1960, 16-year-old Adja Fatou Ba was named the most beautiful girl in Senegal making her win the first-ever beauty pageant in Senegal.

Miss Egypt 1927 – Yolanda Kassar

The first beauty pageant in Egypt was held in 1927 and Egyptian beauty Yolanda Kassar won the very first title. Her picture appeared on the cover of Al-Musawwar Magazine – dated October 21, 1927 – claiming the title. Under her photo was written The Most Beautiful Girl in Egypt.

Miss Ghana 1957 – Monica Amekoafia

Soon after gaining independence, Ghana held its first beauty pageant, Miss Ghana 1957. The pageant was won by 23-year-old Monica Amekoafia.
She represented then Trans-Volta Togoland (Volta Region).

Miss World, Kenya representative in 1960, Jasmine Batty (5th from left )

Miss Kenya 1960 – Jasmine Batty

In 1960, Miss Jasmine Batty made history as the first beauty queen in Kenya after a successful campaign. Jasmine went on to represent Kenya in the 1960 Miss World event.

Miss Nigeria 1957 – Grace Oyelude

3 years before it gained full independence, Nigeria held its first beauty pageant and 26-year-old Grace Oyelude won the position becoming the first beauty queen in the country. Miss Nigeria started as a photo contest. Contestants mailed photographs of themselves to the Daily Times headquarters in Lagos and finalists were shortlisted. Successful finalists were afterwards invited to compete in the live final.

Miss Uganda 2nd from the left

Miss Uganda 1967 – Rosemary Salmon

Rosemary Salmon represented her home country Uganda in the 1967 Miss World contest after she won the title making her the first-ever beauty queen in Uganda. The pageant was started by the Ministry of Agriculture with the stated purpose of increasing the interest of young people in agriculture.

Miss Congo 1968 Elizabeth Tavares (right) and Miss France

Miss Congo 1968 – Elizabeth Tavares

The first beauty pageant organised in the Democratic Republic of Congo was held in 1968 with Elizabeth Tavares taking the crown and going on to represent her country in the 1968 Miss Universe event. Miss Tavares gained popularity among the contestants for her beauty and great personality becoming great friends with Miss France 1968.

Ejigayehu Beyene – 2011

Miss Ethiopia 1963 – Ejigayehu Beyene

Ejigayehu Beyene crowns Miss Ethiopia 2009

Ejigayehu Beyene became the first Miss Ethiopia in 1963 and has since gone on to become a very popular Ethiopian personality. She married an Ethiopian music giant Mahmoud Ahmed.

Miss Tunisia 1956 – Daniele Boublil

A young Daniele Boublil won the first-ever beauty pageant to take place in Tunisia in 1956.

Miss Rwanda 1993 – Dalila Uwera

Rwanda only was able to organize its first beauty pageant in 1993, being one of the youngest countries when it comes to pageants in Africa. The 1993 contest was won by Dalila Uwera.

https://face2faceafrica.com/article/see-the-first-ever-beauty-queens-from-africa

Elizabeth Johnson is a Ghanaian –Nigerian avid reader and lover of the Creative Arts. She is also a writer and has worked with various online platforms as an editor and content creator. She also produces a literary radio show and has worked as a festival administrator. Her story was featured in the 2017 Independence anthology by Afridiaspora. Her play has been staged by African Theater Workshop and she is the 2018 winner of the Random Thoughts writing Prize.