From Refugee Camp To Runway: 5 Shocking Facts About Chol Tot Nyang, Africa's Next Super Model 2024

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The term "Ebony Next Top Model" has taken on a profoundly new and inspirational meaning in late 2024, shifting the narrative from past reality TV drama to a powerful story of hope and raw talent emerging from the African continent. As of December 19, 2025, the fashion world is buzzing about the phenomenal rise of Chol Tot Nyang, the 18-year-old sensation who captured the prestigious title of *Africa's Next Super Model 2024* (ANSM).

This latest development completely redefines what it means to be a top black model in the modern era, moving beyond the well-known, yet controversial, history of shows like *America's Next Top Model* (*ANTM*). Chol Tot Nyang's victory is not just a win for a single model; it is a monumental statement about the untapped potential and authentic beauty found across Africa, with her journey from a refugee camp to the international runway capturing global attention. The fashion industry is now watching to see how this incredible new face will shape the future of high-end modeling.

Chol Tot Nyang: Africa's Next Super Model 2024 Biography

Chol Tot Nyang's victory at the *Africa's Next Super Model 2024* competition, which concluded in Nairobi, Kenya, in November 2024, is one of the most compelling narratives in recent fashion history. Her win is a testament to the fact that talent can be found anywhere, even in the most challenging circumstances.

  • Full Name: Chol Tot Nyang
  • Age (at time of win): 18 years old
  • Origin: Kakuma Refugee Camp, Turkana County, Kenya
  • Competition Title: Winner of Africa's Next Super Model (ANSM) 2024
  • Date of Victory: November 9, 2024
  • Prize Money: $5,000 USD cash prize (equivalent to approximately KSh 640,000 to KSh 645,000)
  • Modeling Experience: The ANSM 2024 competition was her first-ever professional modeling experience.
  • Scouting Story: She was scouted directly from the Kakuma refugee camp, highlighting the competition's dedication to finding undiscovered faces.
  • Career Trajectory: Headlines suggest a potential path "From Kakuma to Milan," indicating a major push toward international high fashion runways.

Her background from the Kakuma refugee camp makes her story particularly resonant. The judges and audience were reportedly awed by her unique look, natural grace, and powerful runway prowess, which ultimately secured her the championship.

The Rise of Africa's Next Super Model (ANSM) and Modern "Ebony" Representation

The search term "Ebony Next Top Model" often refers to the representation and success of black models in the competitive reality TV space. While the *America's Next Top Model* franchise featured notable black contestants—including Ebony Haith from Cycle 1 and Ebony Morgan from Cycle 9—the conversation has matured. The focus has shifted from the sometimes-dramatic and controversial eliminations of the past (like Ebony Morgan's dramatic decision to quit *ANTM*) to competitions that are genuinely focused on launching international careers.

ANSM: A New Benchmark for African Talent

Africa's Next Super Model (ANSM) has quickly established itself as Africa's premiere modeling competition, specifically dedicated to scouting and nurturing the continent's finest talent. Unlike its Western counterparts, ANSM is focused on bringing authentic African beauty and modeling skills into the global spotlight. The competition has strict requirements, seeking models between the ages of 16 and 26 with a minimum height of 5'9", aiming for industry standards.

The victory of Chol Tot Nyang, following in the footsteps of previous winners like Achol Khan, solidifies ANSM's role as a critical pipeline for African models. Her story is a powerful example of the competition’s mission: to highlight undiscovered faces and provide them with a platform and financial resources to enter the global fashion arena. The $5,000 prize, presented by entities like Studio 24 Nigeria, is a vital start-up capital for a young model's career.

5 Ways Chol Tot Nyang Redefines the "Ebony Next Top Model" Narrative

Chol Tot Nyang’s journey from Kakuma to the winner’s circle is groundbreaking, offering a new, inspiring narrative for black models worldwide. Her success is a powerful counterpoint to the often-criticized portrayal of black models in Western reality TV shows.

1. Authenticity Over Manufactured Drama

Unlike shows that often prioritize personality conflicts and dramatic twists, Chol Tot Nyang's win was based purely on her raw, undeniable talent and unique look. Her success story is a powerful message that true runway prowess and star quality—the core elements of a supermodel—are what matter most in high fashion.

2. The Power of the Refugee Camp Origin

The fact that Chol Tot Nyang was scouted from the Kakuma refugee camp is an unprecedented and deeply moving aspect of her story. This origin story provides a level of depth and inspiration that no other "Top Model" winner has possessed, immediately giving her global media traction and a compelling narrative for major fashion houses. It transforms her from a contestant into a symbol of resilience and hope.

3. Focus on African Fashion Excellence

ANSM, and Chol Tot Nyang's crowning, celebrate African fashion excellence. The competition showcases the vibrant, diverse, and world-class modeling talent across the continent, including countries like Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa. This focus creates a more sustainable and culturally relevant path for black models than relying solely on Western-centric competitions.

4. A Clear Path to International Runways (Milan and Beyond)

The goal of ANSM is explicitly to launch careers onto the international stage, with mentions of major fashion capitals like Milan. Chol Tot Nyang’s prize and platform are designed to bypass the often-slow and difficult entry into the global market, positioning her immediately as a major new face to watch for the 2025 fashion season.

5. Inspiring the Next Generation of Black Supermodels

Chol Tot Nyang is a fresh, young face whose success sends a clear message to aspiring models in Africa and the global diaspora: regardless of your background or location, world-class talent will be found and celebrated. Her victory provides a tangible, positive role model, shifting the focus from the manufactured celebrity of reality TV to the hard-won success of a true supermodel. The world is eagerly awaiting her next steps, confirming that the future of "Ebony Next Top Model" is bright, authentic, and undeniably African.

ebony next top model
ebony next top model

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