Head, Heels and Standards HIGH xx: October 2012

Miss West Africa UK 2012 (MWAUK) which took place at the mermaid Theatre in Black Friars welcomed its guest with a hint of showbiz panache. Bestowing a red carpet and paparazzi style entrance leading it’s audience to the auditorium, it gave its ardent guests more than a subtle indicator that they were about to embark on something special.

In an eruption of bright colours flags and choreographed dance moves MWAUK boasted a combination of beauties that introduced themselves onto the stage; with one live DJ, two humorous hosts and four renowned judges, the air of excitement and nerve’s for the girls was infectious. The pageant was broken up with music by DJ Fifi and an assortment of acoustics and live performances. From Valentine who sang and performed his overzealous dance moves to his single Let me entertain you, and the likes of Sonnibali performing an eclectic sound- combining a reggae quality with African lyrics. MWAUK was a lively insight into the richness that the African culture has to provide.

Using both Kamilah McCalman and James Sherwood flair to host the show, the humorous cameo was enough to keep bums on seats during dress changes, monologues and the much awaited talent section. Contestants from all over West Africa included Cote D’ivoire, Ghana, Guinea Bissau, Nigeria and The Gambia passionately put in their efforts to win this pageant which was not only about beauty but charitable fortitudes. OK! Nigeria is pleased to announce that after all the deliberating and points tallying from within the competition as well as on the night; it was declared that the female who would become ambassador for MWAUK 2012 and its charity campaigns was 20 year old MISS NIGERIA!Mercy Ukor, followed by runner up Tonisha Tagoe (Ghana), third place winner Olivia Balou (Ivory Coast) and Estelle Oyourou (Cote D’ivoire) for Miss Congeniality .

Completed with an after party which included the winners, founders and competitors; Miss West Africa UK and all its supporters gave London more than a taster of African culture with glamour and dance and an an insight into the hardship and tribulations that many of these counties are going through at one time.