South Africa.
To many in today’s millennial generation, it is a country on the southern tip of Africa, that is far away. For other’s of older generation’s such as myself, the images of Nelson Mandela are as crystal-clear as the newest 4K television.
Apartheid, the systematic and discriminatory segregation law that keep the majority black population from the wealthier yet minority class whites, was the reason why Mandela, at the time a anti-apartheid political activist in jail for 27 years, until his release from prison in February of 1990.
Following his release, Mandela would help transform South Africa into a democracy as it’s new president from 1994 to 1999, before his death at the age of 95 in 2013. His legacy as a revolutionary, politician and philanthropist helped South Africa emerge from its brutal apartheid past to that of a multi-cultural “rainbow nation” that it is today.
Thanks to Mandela, the world views and sees the country of close to 55 million as a country on the rise not only on the African continent as a growing player in the world of sports and entertainment.
Since the turn of the millennium, South Africa has hosted notable sporting events such as the 2003 President’s Cup, the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup, the 2010 FIFA World Cup and most recently the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations. Notable sports athletes to come from South Africa include PGA superstars such as Ernie Els, Gary Player and former WTA standout in Amanda Coetzer.
And in the world of entertainment, South Africa has truly become a real hotbed for talent.Names such as Elon Musk, Trevor Noah, Embeth Davidtz, Sharlto Copley, Dave Matthews, Sasha Pietrese and Charlize Theron are just some of the biggest names in Hollywood, science and music.
In the world of modeling, the forementioned Theron, Tanit Phoenix, Victoria Secret’s supermodel Candice Swanepoel, FHM alum Megan McKenzie and former Miss Universe 2009 beauty queen Tatum Keshwar are just some of the beauty to come from South Africa.
Could Johannesburg-based glamour model Ash Tove be the next South African-born stunner to come from the Dark Continent?
Despite being a petite 5’4, the live-skinned, hazel-eyed beauty has posed for notable swimwear lines such as Australian-based brand, Sea Folly Bikini’s and Johannesburg-based swimwear store, 69Slam Bikini’s. Thanks to her set of curves, a innocent yet come-hither look that encompasses the best of glamour, lingerie and the beach, Tove could very well become South Africa’s hottest new export.
Below is my Q and A with Ash as we talk South Africa, beaches, how to look good and her modeling inspiration
Name: Ash Tove
Age: 24
Height: 1.65cm (5’4)
Birthplace: Johannesburg, South Africa
Measurements: 87-66-90 (34-25-35)
Social Media Links: Facebook: Ash Tove Model | Instagram: @ash_tove_model
Robert D. Cobb: Being from South Africa, a country that seems to produce some beautiful women such as Charlize Theron, who were your role models when going into the modeling industry?
Ash Tove: “Lee-Ann Liebenberg & Candice Swanepoel”
Robert D. Cobb: What kind of model do you consider yourself? (Instagram, pin-up/glamour, fashion)
Ash Tove: “I consider myself to be a photographic glamour lingerie model “
Robert D. Cobb: What brands have you modeled for?
Ash Tove: “Which one do you enjoy modeling for the most? I haven’t done much brand shoots but I’ve done the Absa Barclays Corporate Wear, Sea Folly Bikini’s and 69Slam Bikini’s. I would say For now all is my favorite.”
Robert D. Cobb: Where has been your favorite place to shoot?
Ash Tove: “My absolute favorite place to shoot is in Mozambique, in the beach resort town of Praia do Bilene”
Robert D. Cobb: What is the most exciting aspect of modeling?
Ash Tove: “Creating magical moments in front of the camera while meeting and working with different people in the industry”
Robert D. Cobb: What tips do you have for looking good this summer?
Ash Tove: “Cleanse, tone and moisturize. Drink lots of water. My secret, keep it simple.”
Robert D. Cobb: Any fashion tips and new trends?
Ash Tove: “Stripes, sneakers and easy elegance”
Robert D. Cobb: Since you’re a model, what swimwear styles and trends, do you see being hot this summer?
Ash Tove: “Halter bikinis, side cut-outs, straps and plunging one-pieces”
Robert D. Cobb: What exudes sexiness and confidence in rocking a bikini on the beach
Ash Tove: “Embrace your natural beauty.”
Robert D. Cobb: Within the industry, who is your inspiration?
Ash Tove: “My inspiration in the industry would be Lee Ann Liebenberg”
Robert D. Cobb: What is your secret to staying in shape?
Ash Tove: “My secret is training at least one hour five times a week and following a healthy eating plan according to your blood type.”
Outside of modeling, what are your hobbies?
Ash Tove: “Spending time with kiddies, music, exploring my creative side with drawing and reading.”
Sports question: Who are your favorite teams and clubs
Ash Tove: “Rugby, I support the All Blacks(New Zealand national rubgy union team). Soccer, I support Chelsea and Spain”
Robert D. Cobb: What are your favorite cities to travel to?
Ash Tove: “I wouldn’t be able to pick as every city has its on beauty about it….”
Robert D. Cobb: What advice would you give to women aspiring to get into modeling?
Ash Tove: “It’s a very tough industry to be in and you need to have a strong personality as critics are always around. Take the critics and grow from them. Just remember to be yourself and professional at all times. Never Give Up no matter how tired you may be always try and keep a smile.”
Special thanks to Ms. Ash Tove for her time and assistance during the Q and A interview process. All images are used with permission and are the property of their rightful owners.
Absolutely stunning a professional model who will become one of South Aftica’s best photografic models ever!!!! Well done Ash!!!!
Willie, you also deserve some credit for shooting her. You have a great portfolio sir! It was a pleasure working with the both of you!