South African local content pay-TV channel Mzansi Magic’s new reality TV show, Diamond in the Ruff, will groom 13 young inexperienced candidates into accomplished models. This will be done by a formidable group of the beauty, magazine and modeling industry’s most respected players this October.
Mzansi Magic in association with De Beers, will see a range of industry experts’ train the contestants, who’ll be selected from across the country, over a 13-episode series.
“This show is about taking on young women who wouldn’t ordinarily be considered for the modeling industry and turning them into successful working models,’ explains Diamond in the Ruff producer, Phindile Mkhabela. “Our model scouts will be specifically looking for young women who aren’t your obvious model candidates – but who, with focus, determination, training and support, can become one of the industry’s finest. We’re especially encouraged by De Beers’ commitment to empowering young South African talent – it’s going to be an incredible show.’
The series will premiere on DStv’s Mzansi Magic channel 107 Tuesday, 1 November as viewers will see 13 young women participating in a range of weekly elimination challenges, until the ultimate winner is selected. A key focus of the show is that amongst the contestants will be plus size candidates. The contestants will be guided in their training by “fairy godmothers’ and will participate in a weekly adjudication process by a judging panel made up of Megan Kruger of the Shine Group, GQ South Africa associate editor and writer Siphiwe Mpye, stylist, designer and fashion show producer Shaldon Kopman and stylist, fashion writer and presenter Noni Gasa.
“Our support of Diamond in the Ruff is inspired by the programme’s focus on the training, development and affirmation of young South African talent. The show’s commitment to excellence and unearthing undiscovered talent is completely in line with how De Beers discovers rough gems which are carefully cut and polished into exquisite diamonds – sought after across the world, and treasured here at home in South Africa,’ comments Consolidated Mines Chairman, Barend Petersen. “We’re really looking forward to hosting the contestants at our nine award-winning conservation and heritage sites – The Diamond Route – which are also open to the public to explore and enjoy communing with nature.’
Castings will take place in the following places:
1. Bloemfontein – Friday 30 September – Mangaung Metro Municipality
2. Kroonstad – Saturday 1 October – Flavius Mareka FET College, Kroonstad Campus
3. Durban – Wednesday 5 October – City Lodge Durban
4. Kimberley – Saturday 8 October – The Ballroom –The Big Hole Mine Museum,
5. Cape Town, Wednesday 12 October – 5 Welgemeend St, Gardens
6. Musina – Saturday 15 October, Musina City Hall
7. Polokwane – Sunday 16 October – Zanami Lodge
8. Johannesburg – Tuesday 18 October – The Shine Studios, Braamfontein
Once shortlisted, the 13 candidates will move to Johannesburg, where the training will begin in earnest.
Diamond in the Ruff is a co-production between Dreamcatcher and Brainstorm Entertainment.
