The striking 23-year-old was discovered in the Accra casting earlier in the year. Her progress throughout this year’s season of M-Net’s Face of Africa has been a constant inspiration to viewers, who discovered earlier in the month that although Kate had auditioned for the search in 2006, she hadn’t qualified at the time because she needed to hone her talent and work on developing her physique.

Her hard work, focus and dedication were finally rewarded as a thrilled superbowl-sized audience welcomed her success with thunderous applause as she was named the seventh, and newest, M-Net Face of Africa. The dramatic hour and a half show, featuring electric performances from Idols winner Eric Moyo, along with Nigerian superstars Naeto C and Ikechukwu plus Afro-funk performers House of Holy Afro, was screened live on DStv to over 40 countries across the continent. Also striding down the catwalk were fellow finalists Alli (Nigeria), Hamamat (Ghana), Hiwot (Ethiopia), Maria (Namibia), Noxi (Zambia), Joana (Angola), Lucy (Uganda), Sasa (South Africa) and Sola (Nigeria).

Featuring the fashions of Tanzania’s Mustafa Hassanali, South Africa’s Thula Sindi and Nigeria’s Lisa Folawiyo plus two magazine collections from South Africa’s Cosmopolitan magazine and True Love East Africa. The finale was a glamorous, glittering, showcase of African talent, style, and creative energy, played out against the backdrop of a gleaming black catwalk.

The finale was filled with tension as the very first Face of Africa, turned global model icon and businesswoman, Oluchi Onweagba-Orlandi, made the big announcement and revealed the M-Net Face of Africa 2008. Awarding Kate with a modeling contract valued at USD 50,000 with her agency, OModel Africa, Oluchi’s announcement marked a magic moment in the Face of Africa legacy, as ten years after she won the title, the Nigerian supermodel was the one opening a new door for a new star.

“On the judging panel, it was clear to us all that Kate was perfectly suited to be the next Face of Africa. She’s the complete package, a model designers dream, that magazine editors embrace, and that catwalks are made for. Kate won the title purely on merit, and the fact that she had this fairytale story, this incredible journey to the top, makes it just that little bit sweeter!”, Oluchi concluded.