Life of a model.

Estifanos Berta Samuel- International Model.

Ian Jindela

Across the globe he has dazzled on several runways and graced the pages of print publications as a model with his impressive physique. He currently lives in Johannesburg, South Africa and shuttles between New York and Los Angeles under his Johannesburg based agency.

Estifanos Berta Samuel started modelling at the age of 15, today he looks back on his journey with pride. Having worked with some of the best artist, photographers, and designers in the industry, has paved the way for his career. He has worked as an assistant stylist at ENYCE, and appeared in several campaigns like: Absolut Vodka commercial in Paris, France; S.A Fashion Week, South Africa; History Channel commercial in Hollywood, CA; Joburg Fashion Week, South Africa; MTN Africa print media, SABC Dance Your Butt off, South Africa; L.A Fashion Week and BET Awards Fashion Show just to name a few.

Jamati Online recently caught up with Estifanos, who lists Tyson Beckford, Tyra Banks, Kimora Lee and Iman as his role models in the industry, to find out about his journey into the world of fashion in Africa, his spirituality, his ambitions and personal battles.

“In my sophomore year of college, Howard University, a guy that lived in my dorm was a photographer for a local upstart model agency. Every time I saw him, he suggested to me that I speak with the agents because I had the look that they wanted but of course I declined each time. One day while returning to the dorm from dance class, as I was sweating and breathing like a beast, I saw that guy and the CEO of the agency leaving the building. As fate would have it, I was stopped and questioned about modeling, and then asked to meet later with the agency. I did after several weeks of thinking it over and was given my first contract for representation. The rest is history” explains Estifanos Berta-Samuel.

Currently working as a full time model, stylist, model trainer and have designed a course for fashion show production/coordination in South Africa. In the near future he is hoping to teach fashion institutions and take it to African Continent and abroad. During his spear time he enjoys dance and choreograph (East & West African, Ballet, Modern, Jazz, some Hip Hop, & Salsa). He desired to be powerful business man and theatre is his first love, there is nothing like it.

“Judging by his determination and journey through the industry both overseas and on the continent, he may very well be on his way to achieving his dream.” Ameyaw Deborah-Modern Gana-2010

New AfroTeens finds Joy in Jazz

World On Press

Ian Jindela


The dynamic teen band, the New Afroteens, from Nelson Mandela Bay, wowed full house audiences at the 2011 Standard Bank Joy of Jazz, held in Newtown last weekend. The teenagers debut the festival with impressive and lively performances at Niki’s Oasis and Sophiatown in Newtown Johanesburg.
Their mixture of guitar-led pieces from Earl Klugh, George Benson and their own ballad, It’s about Time, displayed their musicality clearly New Afroteens finds joy in jazz. Their ballad features Hugh Masekela on their cd, a role taken on by Xolani Moppie on trumpet and Themba Jack on guitar at the festival. The audience appeared astonished at their skills. With a swing to a more energetic number, the singers reappeared in traditional Xhosa outfits for the foot stomping Ma Afrika Ncedani, a cry for help to change the behaviour of men. The band mixed their own songs from their album Siyazazisa with favourites such as Hugh Masekela’s Saduva and MaBrrrr’s Vulindlela.

It is clear the Eastern Cape is still churning out a disproportionate number of South Africa’s top musicians.
“The band is the future of South African music industry”, echoed Itu of Radio Today. The glittering teen’s jazz experience was attended by media, musicians, top celebrities, fans and friends as well as jazz legends such as Victor Ntoni, McCoy Mrubata and children, Camagwini, Jessica Mbanga, Gloria Bosman, Connie “Stella” Chiume of Zone 14, Kenneth Nkosi of White Wedding fame, and Sipho “Malambule” Sithole amongst others.

The Standard Bank Joy of Jazz 2011 marks twelve year of putting South Africa on the international jazz map. It has contributed to the cultural exchange between artists and other performers including New AfroTeens. It was produced by T-Musicman and brought to you by Standard Bank. Band is back and safe at in Port Elizabeth and will be back in Johannesburg soon. Stay in contact.

Rivonia Trialists honoured: AYISECACE!

Abegail Kubeka,Dorothy Masuku and Zenzi Lee-Mkhize Makeba at the Rivonia Trialists Gala awards held in Sandton.


World On Press



Ian Jindela

Department of Arts and Culture and the uMkhonto weSizwe Military Veterans Association (MKVA) pays tribute to the 12 struggle veterans who formed part of the infamous Rivonia Trial. This was held at Sandton Convention Centre. President Jacob Zuma spoke for almost an hour long. Programme director Minister of Arts and Culture Paul Mashatile announced that Liliesleaf Farm was to be declared a National Heritage site – along with the Voortrekker Monument. On the night saw, Robert McBride, Patrice Motsepe, Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan, The New Age owner Atul Gupta and Danny Jordaan and other political veterans.


“As you can see the profiles of men we are honouring today speaks volumes about them and their dedication and commitment to the struggle for freedom in South Africa.... They all served our struggle with absolute commitment and were all prepared to die for the cause of freedom. They were all sentenced to life imprisonment after the Rivonia Trial and served over 20 years in prison, except for Denis Goldberg.” President Zuma.


The 12 trialists honoured are Walter Sisulu, Govan Mbeki, Nelson Mandela, Rusty Bernstein, Ahmed Kathrada, Denis Goldberg, James Kantor, Andrew Mlangeni, Raymond Mhlaba and Elias Motsoaledi. The last two Aurther Goldreich and Harold Wolpe escaped before going on trail.
The MK also marks the 11 of July as the 50th anniversary. Live music kept the crowd and reminded of the struggles by Dorothy Masuku, Abigail Kubeka,Zenzi Lee-Mkhize Makeba, Soweto String Quartet, Ntombi Ngcobo of Ihash’elimhlophe. Bongani of Malaika did a one men act.

“All whites undergo compulsory military training, but no such training was given to Africans. It was in our view essential to build up a nucleus of trained men who would be able to provide the leadership which would be required if guerrilla warfare started. We had to prepare for such a situation before it became too late to make proper preparations. It was also necessary to build up a nucleus of men trained in civil administration and other professions, so that Africans would be equipped to participate in the government of this country as soon as they were allowed to do so.” - Nelson Mandela
Statement from the Dock at the Opening of the
Defence Case in the Rivonia Trial
Pretoria Supreme Court, South Africa
20th April, 1964