At just 9 years old, Andrene Malafa, the reigning Little Miss Africa Nigeria 2024, is not only a beauty queen but also a passionate advocate for children born with deformities. Representing Nigeria on the global stage at the Little Mister and Miss Africa competition in Cairo, she’s making her mark with her talent, heart, and dedication to empowering others. We caught up with Andrene to learn more about her journey, her creative passions, and the impactful change she hopes to inspire. From her dreams of becoming a pediatric surgeon to her mission to build inclusivity and confidence in others, Pride Magazine Nigeria caught up with Andrene, who shares her inspiring story with us.
Congratulations, Queen Andrene. How does it feel to be representing Nigeria in the Little Mister and Miss Africa competition in Cairo?
Thank you. I am so excited and it’s a great honour and privilege to be representing my country, Nigeria, in the competition in Cairo. It’s a mixture of pride, responsibility and excitement. But, it’s an honour to carry the values and image of the country on a global stage. I intend to showcase my country’s best aspects and foster positive interaction with others, and I hope to bring honour and glory to my country, Nigeria.
This competition brings together young talents from across Africa. What do you hope to showcase about Nigeria on this international stage?
I understand the Little Mister and Miss Africa organisation is looking for an ambassador – somebody to communicate a message that where you come from does not define you, to celebrate and promote Africa’s cultural diversity, embrace our shared identity and develop a sense of pride in our heritage. As a Nigerian, I hope to showcase our unique trait of courage, vibrant nature, determination and kindness.
What inspired you to join a beauty pageant?
Firstly, I believe beauty is not just about appearance but valuing yourself and the kindness in your heart. I was inspired by a desire to boost my confidence and advocate for a cause I care about- children born with deformities. And the beauty pageant platform I see as a good platform to showcase my personality, talents, kindness with grace and excellence beyond just my physical appearance.
You are passionate about music, modelling, crafting, dancing and writing. How do these creative passions influence your journey as a beauty Queen?
They are all outlets to tell my story of love and kindness, impacting humanity and inspiring others to pursue and live their dreams no matter how young they are. Through these creative passions, I gain valuable experiences that I can apply in other areas of my life, such as in school. Examples, self-confidence, critical thinking, and self-discipline.
Many young girls are looking up to you. What message do you have for them about following their dreams and believing in themselves?
I will tell them to always believe and to always have hope. As long as they believe, their power to achieve is boundless. And as long as they have hope, they will shine. But most importantly, the best contribution they can make to humanity, even as a child is self-development. They should acquire skills and knowledge to come up with ideas to develop the society, especially in Africa.
Pageantry is about more than just beauty- its about confidence, talents and making a difference. What positive change do you hope to inspire through your platform?
As a Missionary Childhood Association child, I believe in children helping children, that is rising as I arise with others. So I hope to empower children, through my foundation, Andrene Iyene Malafa Foundation….(breaking boundaries, impacting lives), especially those born with deformities to overcome their obstacles and to reach their full potentials by advocating for their inclusive education, medical assistance and support. They are not products of their circumstances. I want to remind people of who they are, their true identity and that they deserve the best that comes their way.
The Little Mister and Miss Africa competition is not just about winning, it’s also about learning and making connections. What are you most excited to experience in Cairo?
Wow! I am most excited to meet my fellow peers from other African countries to share ideas and collaborate in bringing a positive and impactful change in our little way to the continent, Africa, the next frontier. I hope to have our government’s support and also the corporate organisations in our projects
Finally, where do you see yourself in the future? What dreams do you hope to achieve beyond pageantry?
My future is in 2 parts, the short term and the long term, and it’s all about humanity. In both, I want to contribute as much value as possible to humanity by being focused and studying hard.
In the short term, I hope to make a positive impact in my advocacy for children born with deformities. And in the long term, I hope to be a paediatric surgeon specialising in reconstructive surgery for children born with deformities such as cleft palate, etc.