The 2024 edition of the yearly competition, Battle of the Beauticians, which culminated in the Beauty d’Or Awards, took place over the weekend in Buea. It offered a platform for rising talents in the beauty industry to showcase their skills.
Organised by the Walcutz Community Development Association, which is headed by Ekie Walter Ngalle, the Beauty d’Or Awards brought together over 100 youths from across the country.
The event featured competitions among beauticians, including make-up artists, pedicures and manicurists, as well as barbers, hairstylists, and beauty pageants.
It celebrated the creativity and talent of the beauty industry in Cameroon, a domain that is often neglected in conventional awards and competitions.
One contestant at the Battle of the Beauticians highlighted the event’s unique flair: “I’m doing the concept of the African Queen, tiger avatar look, which represents fearlessness and courage.”
This creativity was a common theme throughout the competition.
The contestants’ works were evaluated based on several criteria, ensuring a fair and comprehensive assessment.
Sylvia, one of the jurors, explained the grading process: “We are working on 70% of the work done here in the room and 25% online voting. We are rating creativity, aesthetics, and other factors.”
The competition aimed not only to identify the best talents but also to educate and encourage small businesses in the beauty sector.
Mr. Ekie Walter Ngalle, who organised the event alongside his Dubai-based partner Liv27, emphasised the broader goals of the competition.
“It was a means to promote the beauty industry. I am a barber, we didn’t go to school. The main aim is not just to give them money, but to impact them. I believe they have learned a lot even without winning the competition.”
The event concluded with 12 participants receiving cash prizes and beauty items.
Additionally, three of the top winners were awarded the opportunity to travel to Dubai for further training, enhancing their skills and broadening their horizons.
In addition to the beauty awards, the event also recognised media houses and individuals making significant impacts in society.
Among the honorees were Humanitarian Journalist of the Year, Rene Issa, blogger Fuchor, and CBS Radio Buea, headed by humanitarian journalist Boris Karloff Batata.
Batata, who has reported on the Battle of the Barbers event for several years now, said the award to CBS Radio acknowledged the work they have over the years.
“I am particularly pleased and humbled because this award is coming at a time when we’re putting all our efforts to see that CBS radio Buea meets the needs and diversity of their audience,” Batata told MMI.
“The award comes as a motivation ensuring that the radio stays relevant within the time where the media landscape is rapidly evolving.”
He further told MMI how important this event is to the community.
“I have been mentoring this event over the years and it has been evolving. This edition was really jam-packed. The event is a whole package for upliftment for those in the beauty industry. To encourage those who are less recognized in the beauty industry. It’s an event we need to push in Cameroon.”
