FOLLOWING a heated debate and controversy over the prize money for the 2013 Mr Zambia body building contest, the championship returns this year, probably with an improved offer on the table for the winner and runner-up.
The Mr Zambia contest is the most prestigious body building competition for the Zambia Body Building and Fitness Federation (ZBBFF), and despite the ups and downs noted last year, the 2014 championship is around the corner.
Since inception decades ago, Mr Zambia has produced a cadre of outstanding musclemen in the likes of Lloyd Kyusa, Gilbert Moono and Moses Mwape, among others.
By definition, bodybuilding refers to a course of therapy of exercises designed to enhance the human body’s muscular development and promote general health and fitness but as a competitive activity.
In competitive terms, bodybuilding aims to display distinct muscle accumulation, balance, and definition for overall visual effect in an artistic fashion.
Before the 2014 Mr Zambia contest takes centre stage in December, the ZBBFF has lined up a number of championships in the build up to the big one and these include, Mr Copperbelt Energy Corporation (CEC), and Mr Independence among others.
In the body of every competitive bodybuilder, you can see the signs of sacrifice. The channels of their abdominals and their block-like muscles tell a story of dedication and passion.
Bodybuilding like any other entertainment industry has its share of heavy hitters.
As we countdown to these competitions, it is therefore important to take a look at the arguably big five musclemen at the moment that one should look out for in the forthcoming contests.
Sylvester Mwila
Mwila has imposed his authority in bodybuilding over the past years, claiming the Mr Zambia title three times in a row.
He is the current Mr Zambia champion after outclassing other contestants in last year’s edition to retain the title he won in 2011 and 2012.
Mwila is best known for his rhythmic posing routines that are unique in bodybuilding circles and his great mass particularly in his back and legs have made him shoot to the summit.
The Kabwata gym strongman has taken size and strength in bodybuilding to new heights with numerous titles. He will be the biggest threat to his challengers in the upcoming competitions.
Emmanuel Mwale
Mwale is unique in bodybuilding circles. Iconic and determined to hit the summit, bodybuilding wasn’t more than a hobby for him when he just started years ago, but thanks to his excellent genetics, he has been to prepare for the competitions and has earned a lot of success, he can be proud of. Last year, he emerged runner-up in the Mr Zambia contest, just behind eventual winner Mwila and this time around, he will leave no stone unturned in his quest for the top prize.
Finishing third in the 2013 Mr Zambia championship, he is among the favourites to give Mwila a tough time at this year’s edition.
Marvin Mweemba
In third place of this author’s big five bodybuilders is Mweemba. Mweemba is always known as having some of the best shoulders and upper body in the business. One thing is without dispute is that Mweemba is one of the strongest bodybuilders in history of the sport in Zambia as regularly bench presses more than 50 kilograms of weights in the gym.
Nduba Shanabwato
His legacy grows in volume and number. As more of the Zambians begin to appreciate professional bodybuilding, Nduba’s reputation as one of the few musclemen, who embraced the ideas of self-improvement, self-reflection and self-care, makes him truly one of the biggest bodybuilders ever.
Having participated in a number of tournaments for years now, Nduba is still aiming high in the business and wants to rekindle his past glory days that him dominate the Mr. Matero contest.
Honesty Muyupi
Honesty has been climbing on the ladder since stepping on the stage in 2006 during the Mr Copperbelt contest in which he came out eighth.
His debut in competitive contests gave him impetus to train harder as he developed self-confidence that was a key element in his improved performance at the 2007 Mr Copperbelt contest, finishing second while bagging home the Mr Nchanga title that same year.
Inspired by Botswana-based Zambian bodybuilder Gilbert Moono who is his coach, Honesty who competes under the auspices of Fitness Factory of Kitwe, a highly equipped gym in the province, came out fifth in the 2013 Mr Zambia contest.
He is the reigning Mr CEC champion.
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