Introducing Ndamona Kalemo - a Namibian model to keep an eye on

Namibian fashion model Ndamona Kalemo is quickly making a name for herself in the Cape Town fashion scene.

In only seven months since she got scouted, Ndamona has bagged an impressive lineup of campaigns for some of the biggest fashion brands.

After a “lucky break” just as she was embarking on a corporate career, Ndamona began modelling professionally in 2021 and never looked back.

Not seeing any representation of girls who looked like her in the fashion industry meant that Ndamona never imagined herself in this space, let alone becoming a sought-after talent outside Namibia. “I always saw myself working in the fashion or entertainment industry, but not necessarily as a model. I never thought I met the requirements of what’s considered a model, but here I am now,” says Ndamona.

At home, Ndamona’s family and friends were always in awe of her beauty, encouraging her to try her luck at beauty pageants, including Miss Namibia. “I gave modelling a try while I was in high school. I did a shoot at an agency in South Africa, but I didn’t make it and decided not to pursue that dream any more. I decided rather to focus on my studies.”

Ndamona’s fortunes changed when she applied for another opportunity, subsequently signing her very first contract. Today she is signed to 20 Model Management, a Cape Townbased modelling agency representing some of the most sought-after models in South Africa.

In her short stint as a model, Ndamona has compiled an impressive list of accomplishments on her resume. These include appearing in Sportscene campaigns for New Balance and Adidas, walking at the South African Menswear Week and doing commercial campaigns for Footgear. Ndamona has also appeared in several adverts, most notably for Gillette Venus.

Ndamona has remained humble and grounded despite all the success. She admits that her journey has already taught her many lessons. “Modelling is one of those things where you’ll never figure it out completely. I may have adjusted to the Cape Town market, but if I go to a European city, I’ll have to re-adjust to that environment and that market.”

Ndamona has fallen in love with life as a model, saying that returning to the corporate world is no longer an option. “I don’t know if I’ll be a model for the rest of my life, but I can see myself branching into other areas in fashion and entertainment in the next few years,” she says.

On what she does to stay centred and healthy as a busy model, Ndamona reveals that fitness is non-negotiable. She gets in two 45-minute cardio sessions on her off days and at least once when working. She supplements this with strength training and “lots of stretching”. Says Ndamona, “I go on walks, I love having the freedom to just go on a beach walk. I paint and I go to the gym, which is all therapeutic for me.”

Ndamona admits that she does not do much to keep her skin flawless and ready for the camera, attributing her beautiful skin to good genes. “My parents have good skin, so I’m blessed in that department. I don’t have a specific skincare regimen, but I drink a lot of water, and I use African black soap at night and shea butter to moisturise. I keep it very simple.” She supplements this with a plant-based diet, which no doubt adds to her amazing glow.

I ask her what advice she would give any models wishing to pursue a career outside Namibia, and Ndamona does not mince her words: “Always be true to yourself. This is an industry where you get critiqued for everything – your body, your face, everything. You are dehumanised. So it’s important to work on your confidence. Know who you are, know your values and stick by them.”

She also stresses that not taking rejection personally is one of the life hacks every model should master. “View every rejection as a redirection. Sometimes it’s not that you’re not good enough or not slim enough or not pretty enough; sometimes that gig or job is just someone else’s blessing.”

Rukee Kaakunga is a Windhoek-based communications specialist, blogger and freelance fashion writer. Contact her via email: rukeekaakunga@gmail.com and follow her on Twitter @rukeeveni and Instagram @rukeekaakunga