Nyasha Zimucha, South African, Miss Africa USA 2007, Busi Mlambo, Zimbabwean, Deputy Miss USA, Victoria Njau, Kenyan, 2nd Runner Up, Belloh Julius, Liberian, 3rd Runner Up and Imat Akelo-Opio, Uganda, 4th Runner Up at the Miss Africa USA beauty pageant 2008 in Atlanta, Georgia.

Atlanta Georgia – (November 1, 2008) – The 4th Annual Miss Africa USA Scholarship Pageant 2008 was held today at the Clayton Performing Arts Center in the suburbs of Atlanta, Georgia to celebrate and honor African women.

A total of 17 contestants from different African countries participated in the event which was co-hosted by Maryline Blackburn, Miss Alaska 1984 and Marlon Campbell, Film Producer and Actor. The pageant kicked off with the introduction and parade of nations category, a phase in which the contestants introduced themselves, their countries of origin and platforms to the distinguished audience. The second phase was the Talent Performance phase, a stage in which the contestants showcased their talents in dance, poetry, music amongst others. The 3rd stage was the African Fashion Modeling after which the top five (5) finalists were announced.

The top five(5) finalists were then interviewed on why they chose their different platforms and how they hope to further the course and mission of the scholarship pageant if they win. After the top 5 finalists debate, a distinguished panel of judges including Rev. Dr. Barbara L. King - Founder and Spiritual Leader, Hillside International Truth Center, Honorable Terry Baskin, Clayton Country Tax Commissioner and Miss Kirsten White, Miss Black USA 2008 amonst others then selected Nyasa Zimucha, South African as the winner. Nyasha plans to use her new status to fight Xenophobia in South Africa. Miss Cameroon Danielle Franki Mingana Fochive won the Best Talent and is being considered for a modeling contract, Miss Guinea Binnette Diao won the Miss Culture Award, Miss Burundi won the African People’s Princess Award and Miss Photogenic and Miss Congeniality Award went to Miss Senegal - Mariama Brown. The Western Union Audience Choice award went to Miss Nigeria: Esosa Edosomwan who will continue to work with Western Union on Several Promotional Opportunities.

The event was organized by the African Women’s Development Foundation Inc, USA. For more information about them and how to support their activities plaes visit africanwomensfoundation.org or missafricaunitedstates.com .