A budding young supermodel from Bloemfontein, Emjay Smith (16), has secured himself a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to ramp up his modelling career to greater heights. He has been selected to model at the 2023 International Modelling and Talent Convention (IMTA) in New York next month.
The IMTA event is a professional showcasing of the finest modelling and acting talents on the globe, to be held in June.
Emjay, a Gr. 11 learner at the St Andrew’s School in Bloemfontein, will be among the finest at this international occasion. Other attendees will include actors, dancers, and singers. Emjay is the only model from the Free State.
“It is honestly an indescribable feeling to be chosen to model outside South Africa. These are things one dreams of as a young child, and to see it become a reality, is an unreal feeling. I have to grab the opportunity with both hands and go all the way,” said Emjay.
This opportunity is the result of auditions he attended in Bloemfontein in June by Talent Agency last year.
“After the auditions, I received a call-back to go to the International ARTS Talent Showcase (IATS), which was held at the Siverstar Casino in October. There I had the opportunity to perform in front of agents and managers, as well as casting directors from overseas. After this, I received an invitation to attend the IMTA Convention in New York.”
Passion for the modelling industry was instilled in him from an early age. Emjay began taking part in 2017 and has done a few shows.
“I was encouraged by my family, because my oldest brother was also modelling at the time,” he said.
Locally, he has walked the ramp at the Free State Fashion Show in 2018, 2019 and 2022.
Emjay’s aspirations to become the next big thing in modelling is complemented by his handsome qualities and having a tall and slender figure. These qualities have earned him some prestigious titles and opportunities to model at local fashion shows. Titles he has received include Mr ACE Model International senior competition in 2022 and Mimosa Mall Bloemfontein Brand Ambassador in 2023.
Emjay was invited to participate in the final round of the Face of Mall of Africa in 2023.
Emjay strongly believes the IMTA has enterprising opportunities.
“When I started modelling, I thought getting signed to an agency was the limit for a person from Bloemfontein.
“But this is the moment of realisation to see that the sky is the limit. This event is going to benefit my modelling career and gain valuable experience,” he said.
Emjay has already completed an intensive preparatory programme for the international event.
“In five years I would like to see myself performing again in New York and other international fashion week events, sign with reputable brands as their brand ambassador, and advertising brands,” said Emjay.
