How Tanzanian village girl became international model

Tanzania supermodel Flaviana Matata also at the premier of film Binti in TZ.

There is a certain aura around Tanzanian model Flaviana Matata. She moves with the ease of someone entirely at home, occasionally cat-walking in the high heels she once despised growing up, but which would eventually become an essential part of her career.

The familiar signature is still there, too. For years, Flaviana has been known for her clean-shaven head or closely cropped hair. But now she spots short baby locks, paired with an unmistakably joyous mood that gives her an even softer presence.