Shekinah Guhwa: Zimbabwe’s 13-Year-Old Pageant Prodigy Lighting Up the Cultural Stage

At just 13 years old, Shekinah Zoliswa Guhwa is redefining what it means to be a young leader in Zimbabwe’s pageantry and cultural arenas. A Form 1 student at HTC Academy in Bulawayo, Shekinah is not only collecting crowns but also capturing hearts across the nation with her grace, intelligence, and unapologetic pride in her heritage.

With an impressive collection of titles including Teen Miss Africa Zimbabwe, Miss Tennyson Primary School, and Miss Teen Modest, Shekinah’s star continues to rise. Her most recent accolade, Face of Jet 2025, has solidified her status as one of the country’s most promising young talents, garnering attention from pageant lovers, cultural enthusiasts, and young aspirants alike.

But Shekinah is more than just a beauty queen — she is a cultural force. Her talent in traditional dance saw her represent Bulawayo at the national Jikinya Dance Festival in Bindura, proudly waving the Zimbabwean flag and showing the nation that true beauty also lies in cultural pride and community spirit.

On social media, Shekinah blends her love for culture and advocacy by sharing clips of traditional dances, educational content about Zimbabwean heritage, and even oral health awareness, giving her audience a fresh and youthful spin on important issues. Her ability to connect culture, health, and fashion makes her an influencer in the making, with a strong message and purpose.

Away from the spotlight, Shekinah also runs a small crafting business, creating beaded necklaces, bangles, earrings, and key holders. Her entrepreneurial spirit reflects a maturity well beyond her years, showing that she has both the creative vision and business savvy to build her own brand.

Raised by a single mother and rooted in faith, Shekinah’s path hasn’t been without obstacles. From overcoming stage fright and financial constraints to balancing schoolwork with her growing list of responsibilities, she has met every challenge head-on. Her personal mantra, she says, is simple but powerful: “Never give up. You might not get it right the first time, but keep pushing, be confident, and pray about your dream.”

Looking ahead, Shekinah is preparing to represent Zimbabwe on a continental stage as part of the upcoming Teen Miss Africa finals. While the event’s details remain under wraps, one thing is certain — this young queen is destined for greatness.

From a shy schoolgirl to a national icon, Shekinah Guhwa’s story is a shining example of how passion, perseverance, and purpose can transform lives. In every step she takes, Shekinah proves that queens aren’t born — they rise.