African youths must keep building, innovating, believing -

From Christy Anyanwu, London

Bertha Amuga is a British-Nigerian supermodel, actress and the reigning Miss Afrikana United Kingdom. What makes her truly outstanding is the ability to bridge diverse worlds, balancing high-fashion runways and media advocacy with hands-on dedication to human resources and person-centred social care.

She uses her platforms to amplify voices that are often left unheard, combining creative expression with deep empathy and structural impact.

Speaking with Sunday Sun in London, she opened a door into her world as Miss Afrikana UK, her modelling journey and lots more.

What can you tell us about your growing up days? How has that influenced your personality as a supermodel, actress and beauty queen?

Growing up was a profound exercise in resilience, compassion and adaptability. Navigating different cultural landscapes taught me early on to value human dignity above all else. That foundation directly shaped my identity as a supermodel, actress and queen: it grounds me. In an industry often obsessed with superficial perfection, my upbringing reminds me that true beauty and performance stem from authenticity, emotional intelligence and the courage to tell real stories that resonate with people’s lived experiences.

Tell us about your journey into pageantry. What does your title, Miss Afrikana UK, mean to you?

My entry into pageantry was not about wearing a crown; it was about finding a megaphone for my advocacy. Becoming Miss Afrikana UK is a deeply personal honour, it means embodying the elegance, intellect and multifaceted brilliance of the modern African woman. It is a celebration of our heritage and a responsibility to redefine how our stories are told on international platforms, proving that beauty and purposeful leadership go hand in hand.

What is the duration of your reign? And what are your key assignments in your tenure as beauty queen?

My tenure spans an empowering year dedicated to purposeful action. Key assignments during this reign include driving strategic brand partnerships that celebrate African culture and excellence, mentoring young girls in leadership and self-worth and using my platform to champion community development and youth empowerment initiatives both in the UK and across the continent.

What message of hope do you have for the youth, especially those who are tired and fed up with Africa?

To every young person feeling tired, exhausted and fed up with the current realities of Africa: your frustration is valid, but your story does not end in despair. Do not let temporary economic and systemic struggles rob you of your innate power. Africa’s greatest resource has never been beneath the soil, it lives inside you, in your creativity, resilience and unyielding spirit. Keep building, keep innovating and refuse to let go of the belief that a better continent is possible through our collective hands.

Do you have a foundation or NGO? If yes, what is it all about? What are its aims, objectives and vision?

I am deeply connected to Amuga’s Hope NGO, an organisation dedicated to providing counselling education and empowerment, community advocacy for vulnerable groups. Our vision is to bridge socio-economic gaps by equipping individuals, especially women and teenagers, with the practical tools, education and confidence they need to rewrite their own futures and attain sustainable independence.

What does style mean to you and what outfit will you not wear as a person?

To me, style is a silent autobiography; it is an intentional expression of inner confidence, culture and self-respect before you ever speak a word. As a person and a professional, I draw a firm line against wearing anything that compromises my appearance, dignity, cultural values or authenticity. If an outfit strips away my comfort or masks who I truly am, it simply has no place in my wardrobe.