Introducing the Africa King, Sunday Stephen as our esteemed Model of the Month for January 2025 and also the spolight model in this month’s exclsuive Model Issue. Stephen Muhire Sunday is a trailblazing Ugandan model, athlete, and fitness coach currently based in Frankfurt, Germany. As the first Ugandan to win the coveted Mr. Africa International title, Stephen has cemented his place as a global ambassador for African excellence and male empowerment.
Stephen’s journey began as Mr. Central Uganda 2022/23, where he made a mark with his dedication to fitness, self-discipline, and his passion for inspiring others. As a model with more than 5 international agencies has walked and worked with international designers. He has also inspired and helped young people to become models using his experience, he is also the founder of Simbatalent Kids, a nonprofit organization devoted to discovering and supporting talented children across Africa, providing them with opportunities to shine and reach their full potential.
In an exclusive interview with Fourwall Magazine as the Spotlight Model, he shared about his modeling journey, emphasizing the challenges and triumphs he encoutered along the way, reaching new heights in his career and his plans for the new year.
Interview With Sunday Stephen – Mr. Africa International 2024
Congratulations on becoming Mister Africa International. How do you feel about this?
Achieving My Dream… becoming Mister Africa International is a dream come true. After multiple attempts, I finally succeeded, proving that resilience and hard work truly pay off. This journey has made me not just a winner but an inspiration. I needed a platform to expand my work with African talents, and with Mister Africa’s vision of connecting African talents with global opportunities, this is the perfect stage to make that vision a reality.
How did your journey in Pageantry begin?
It began with a need for a wider platform to promote young talents in my community back home in Uganda. I come from a low-income area where supporting such talents is a significant financial challenge.
What would you say set you apart from others?
All participants were formidable competitors with unique abilities and looks. However, I believe my resilience and determination to win were the qualities that set me apart. Overcoming Financial Hurdles.
What challenges did you face during the pageant, and how did you overcome them?
Unlike other participants who had sponsors and managers, I didn’t have any support of that kind. My journey was financially draining, but my perseverance pushed me to reach out to a few friends who were willing to help, and they played a huge role in getting me here.
What motivated you to compete for Mister Africa International?
The spirit of patriotism motivated me. My country, Uganda, had never won an international pageantry crown before. I am the first in our country’s history to achieve this, and that drove me to keep trying despite losing on several occasions. At last, I succeeded.
What does winning this crown mean to you?
Winning this crown sets me apart as the first Ugandan to win an international pageantry crown. It also gives me a voice and a platform to support young talents across Africa.
Now that you have been crowned, what projects do you plan to undertake?
I plan to begin soliciting funds and engaging multinational firms to promote young talents, I already founded one called Simba talent kids which will soon be registered officially, especially in football Football is a unifying force across Africa, and I believe it can serve as a foundation for nurturing and connecting talent.
In pageantry, do you have a mentor? If yes, why?
I don’t have a single specific mentor because many individuals in pageantry have played a role in my journey, directly and indirectly. I am deeply grateful to all of them for their contributions in their respective capacities.
What do the sash and crown symbolize to you?
To me, the crown symbolizes the power to bring change to Africa, a responsibility handed to me the day I was crowned. The sash represents recognition, a reminder to inspire others to join my cause.
What is your vision for society, and what impact would you like to make?
My vision for African societies is unity and the empowerment of young talents to drive community progress. Football, in particular, is one way to achieve both goals.
Winning this crown sets me apart as the first Ugandan to win an international pageantry crown. It also gives me a voice and a platform to support young talents across Africa.
If you were not a model, what other career would you have pursued?
I am a multi-talented individual. I am a sprinter, dancer, and fitness enthusiast, but I also love modeling. If I weren’t in pageantry, I would still be pursuing my modeling career.
Where do you see yourself in the next five years?
In the next five years, with God’s guidance, I aim to venture into film acting. I plan to enroll in theater and drama classes, and seeing myself on screen will be a major milestone for me. Additionally, I hope that the talent community I’m building will have grown and impacted over 1,000 African lives by providing opportunities and nurturing their potential.
What message do you have for young men aspiring to become pageant kings?
My message is simple: You can get it if you really want it, but you must keep trying each time you fail. If you can imagine it, you can achieve it. If you can dream it, you can become it.