It was a cold October night in Dublin last night but entering the Liberty Hall Theatre was like stepping into the warm Kenyan sun. Loudspeakers beat out African rhythms as 16 young women competed to win the title of "The Most Beautiful African Girl in Ireland".
Dressed in exotic and colourful costumes, they practised sashaying around the stage barefoot as the audience gathered.
This was the fourth year of the contest, which was described by its founder, Ms Tina Akinola Jinad, as "a night of beauty and brains".
The contest started as a cultural event because Ms Akinola Jinad wanted Irish people to learn more about African culture. The Phibsboro-based beautician decided to start a beauty contest that included music and dance. It was giving African women a chance to show the Irish "what we are made of".
In the first year, just eight young women entered the contest but interest was growing, she said. Last night's event featured contestants from Angola, Congo, Rwanda, South Africa, Nigeria and Kenya.
The organisers are considering running a Cork event as six Corkonians wanted to take part in this year's contest but could not travel for the rehearsals.
Last year's winner, Ms Leah Flynn (25) made it to the last 16 in Miss Ireland. "We are waiting for the moment, the day, that an African woman will be Miss Ireland," Ms Akinola Jinad said.
Ms Flynn, who is originally from Kenya, said she was sad to hand over her crown. The contest was about "helping to build a prosperous and multicultural Irish society".
And her advice to this year's winner? "Do the best for your people and never forget your roots." Her younger sister Stella took part in last night's contest, hoping to keep the crown in the Flynn family.
Proving that they are even worse timekeepers than the Irish, the African contest began almost one and a half hours late and was only warming up as this newspaper went to press.
The lively and noisy audience didn't care, though. As the women were introduced onto the stage, they hollered and shouted their approval, drowning out the background music and the compere's voice.
Backstage, the contestants chatted and giggled nervously, just like a bunch of Rose of Tralee finalists. Natalia Garcia (15) from Angola said she wanted to be a beautican when she grew up. Flavia Kukonde loved to travel and meet people. Lydia Katalabazi loved dancing.
But in the puff of perfume and make-up, the reality of life in Africa was not forgotten. A poster hanging at the back of the theatre pleaded "Stop Women Trafficking Now".
But that was the last thing on the mind of last night's winner, who won €1,000 and the hope of fame and a glamorous career.
