When Mr Africa International 2024 ends this Saturday at Mamba Point in Freetown, Sierra Leone, Ugandan fitness geek Stephen Sunday imagines himself having the last laugh, flying back to Germany with the top prize stashed in his suitcase.
The annual competition attracted participants from 30 countries across Africa, showcasing the best of their bodies and brains. This is Sunday’s fourth time in the competition. In the 2023 edition Sunday won the Mr Body Of Africa category, as Nigerian TikToker Rickie Mannie took the top prize. Now Sunday, among only the 10 finalists for the red-carpet event, wants to be the overall champion.
“My goal is to win overall. It’s been a long journey, and I’ve put in so much effort this time around,” Sunday told Sqoop via WhatsApp. That Rickie Mannie is not in Freetown to defend his title may be an advantage but doesn’t guarantee Sunday victory.
“Well, all guys are good. But I’m more passionate about winning it more than anyone here because I have put in a lot of effort, and I have been competing since 2021.”
Sunday talked of rigorous preps, which required physical and mental strength.
“Training has been difficult because it’s not just about being in shape but also being smart, confident, and ready to answer challenging questions,” said the man nicknamed the King of Abs for his well-defined abdominal muscles.
Yet he has no coach, manager, or sponsor. “I go out of my way because I love my country, Uganda, and I want to represent Africa on the global stage.”
Sunday is multitasking. Since switching base to Frankfurt, the bodybuilder and model has also participated in at least four editions of Hyrox World Fitness Races—which combine workouts and runs in a certain time. He recently joined Eintracht Frankfurt Athletics Club and competed in short distance running.
The ultimate winner receives cash prizes and contracts with modelling agencies like House of Twitch, based in London and Nigeria, and traveling the world.
“It’s also an opportunity to promote Africa’s culture and beauty while inspiring young Africans to dream big and collaborate across borders.” Sunday will share the stage with fellow Ugandan Denis Wafula.