Sierra Leonean US-based charismatic pageant queen, Swadu Natasha Beckley (photo), who was recently crowned Miss Africa - USA 2010, was on Friday April 29 2011 crowned with the enviable title of Miss Sierra Leone 2011 in Freetown, Sierra Leone.
The highly enthralling show that was organized by the Madam Yoko Entertainment Group was co-sponsored by the Nation’s choice for communication, Comium-SL and Pinnacle Media World.
The annual national event was hotly contested by ten beauty queens from across the country and abroad. Miss Beckley represented Bombali District.
Other contestants for this year’s prestigious 2011 Miss Sierra Leone were Mahawa Massaquoi, Ramatuali Bangura, Elizabeth Tutu, Kadiatu Conteh popularly known as Aunty P, Basiyatu, Natasha Beckley, and Umu Bayoh.
The categories for the pageant included Africana dress, Casual dress, Evening/Party dress, Beach wear, Executive dress, Talent show and a Questions and Answers session.
The contestants displayed their talents and showcased their beauty in their different attires to the thunderous applause of elated and emotionally cheering crowds. The pageantry and glamour displayed dispelled the old age adage that the beautiful ones are not yet born.
One category that greatly caught the imagination of the audience was the Africana dress as the contestants cat-walked the stage in elegant and extravagant masterpiece designs. The event set the Family Kingdom ablaze with roars of applause from supporters of the different contestants.
Another eagerly watched event that thrilled the audience was the beach wear as the queens exhibited their physical and natural beauty leaving the awe-struck the distinguished panel of judges and the audience to draw their conclusion.
Under the talent show category, the ladies showcased their talents in singing and miming, dancing and other forms of artistic display. In the Question and Answer session, the contestants displayed their intellect and oratory. At the end of the contest, Miss Natasha Beckley was declared the winner. Umu Bayoh was first runner-up while Ramatulai Bangura was second runner-up.
The 5 feet 8 inches tall, skinny, soft spoken 24 year old Natasha Beckley stole the show right from the start. Her glittering and excellent performance convinced the audience that she was a deserving winner.
"The rhythmic movement of Natasha’s feet, the swaying of her hips and the portrait of her immaculate beauty were attestation that she was indeed the deserving winner,” pointed out a member of the audience.
Whenever she appeared on the stage, she was hailed and cheered by the audience. Her posture, body build, height, sparkling beaming eyes and her mesmerizing cat-walks were spectacular and mouth watering. Side attractions included musical performances.
Speaking to this reporter immediately after the show, the Executive Director of Madam Yoko Entertainment who has the franchise to send Sierra Leonean premier beauty queens to Miss World, Mr. Sida Asumana Mansaray, said he was very pleased with the way and manner in which the contest ended.
He heaped praises on particularly the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, the Government of Sierra Leone, Pinnacle Media World and the best mobile operator in the country, Comium-SL, for their unflinching support of the Miss Sierra Leone annual pageant.
Also, in an exclusive interview with this reporter before departing for the USA, Natasha Beckley noted that her dream has become true after clinching the Miss Sierra Leone title. She added that she is going to raise the country’s flag high in the Miss World P contest.
“I am determined to put my country’s flag high in the global world,” she promised.
Natasha heaped praises on her entire family, her fans and particularly her uncle, Hon. Alpha Khan and her mother who supported her tremendously during the course of the contest.
Below is a short profile of Ms Sierra Leone 2011 Natasha Beckley:
Ms. Swadu Natasha Beckley, left the shores of Sierra Leone at the age of 10. She was jealous of local school children who had smart new uniforms to wear to school and wished that she could have shared that experience. Students from many of Freetown’s girl schools that attended the show thanked Miss Beckley with a mixture of song, poetry, and jokes. Natasha is currently providing scholarships to over 50 girls in secondary school in Freetown and hopes to raise more funds to support the project. The reigning champion launched her scholarship program in Freetown before a guest of 200 students, parents, and teachers. Natasha expressed her deep desires to promote Sierra Leone and the education of young girls
Natasha’s first international pageant win has really made Sierra Leone proud. As 1st runner up, Natasha is the 1st African Princess; winner of the Diplomats Award and also winner of the Best Promoter award, including an array of gifts, presents and some cash. Natasha says she owes her performance at this finale to God, her family; her church family at the United Wesleyan Church, Alexandria, Virginia and the many little girls in Sierra Leone and Africa in general and to the members of the “Natasha FC” soccer club in Freetown. The 24 year old poet (with over 300 poems in her name) and a senior majoring in foreign studies at the University of Virginia’s college at Wise is current Miss Sierra Leone in Washington DC, 2009 and reigning Miss University of Virginia, Wise, 2009.
About her future plans, Swadu had this to say: “I believe that I have found my calling. As a young SALONE tity I intend to publish my first book of original poems entitled “Beauty, Brains, and Good Lyrics; complete my Bachelors in foreign studies, then pursue a Masters in Public Health. I believe that I have what it takes to make a difference in the lives of my sisters in Sierra Leone.” Natasha Beckley is a woman that has dedicated herself to improving the lives of Sierra Leonean women. “I have pride in my culture, and a strong belief in the capacity of the Sierra Leonean woman. I am proud to be Sierra Leonean and I love my country,” she noted before departing to the USA.
Photo credit: Halima Kamara.
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