Latest news with #Shudu
The Citizen
19-05-2025
- Politics
- The Citizen
Tiara to textbooks: Miss SA 2020 Shudufhadzo's fab first year at Columbia University and the United Nations
Former 2020 Miss South Africa, Shudufhadzo Musida, is proving that beauty and brains truly do go hand in hand. Now based in the United States, the inspiring humanitarian is making waves academically and diplomatically. Having completed her first year of a Master of International Affairs (MIA) degree at Columbia University, Shudu, as she's affectionately known, is also playing a key role on global platforms such as the United Nations, all while writing books and championing causes close to her heart. Academic excellence at Columbia University Shudufhadzo Musida's life has taken a bold and meaningful turn since her reign as Miss South Africa in 2020. In 2024, she marked a significant milestone by completing her first year at the prestigious Columbia University in New York. She's pursuing a Master of International Affairs (MIA), specialising in economic and political development, a course known for producing influential global thinkers and leaders. Her choice of study is no surprise; even during her pageant days, Shudu demonstrated a deep interest in mental health and social justice issues. Her current academic path is a natural progression for someone committed to using her platform for meaningful global impact. A strong voice at the United Nations While her studies are demanding, Shudu is also making her mark on the international stage. She has taken on the role of a moderator at high-level United Nations events, where she continues to advocate for women's rights and mental health. In a heartfelt social media post, she reflected on her experience moderating a UN event on sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) and sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) in crisis responses. 'Behind every policy, headline, and crisis response, there are people,' she wrote. 'Women and girls whose lives hang in the balance… Whose mental and physical health must be a priority, not an afterthought.' Her ability to bring empathy, intellect, and urgency to global issues has earned her the respect of influential figures, such as Dr. Natalia Kanem and Minister Åsmund Aukrust of Norway, who joined her on the panel. From the runway to the written word In addition to her academic and diplomatic achievements, Shudufhadzo published her second children's book, I Am Shudu. The book explores themes of self-discovery, self-worth, and healing, powerful messages inspired by her personal experiences of childhood bullying and the struggles she faced growing up. 'This may be a children's book, but it freed me,' she shared. 'The title alone speaks volumes about who I am and where I am today… My inner child is happy now. She's no longer scared; she has boundaries and knows that her voice and strength can change generations.' Her writing, much like her advocacy, is deeply personal and purpose-driven. She hopes her book will give children the comfort and encouragement they may not even realise they need. ALSO READ: WATCH: Birdie bliss! Gayton McKenzie's hilarious golf debut goes viral Drum dialogue: history and heritage In addition to her work with the UN, Shudu also hosted Drum Dialogue: Beats of Solidarity, an event commemorating the 10th anniversary of the Ark of Return, a permanent memorial at the UN honouring the victims of slavery and the transatlantic slave trade. The occasion also launched the Second International Decade for People of African Descent, aimed at promoting recognition, justice, and development. Musida described it as an honour and a moment of reflection, especially given her African roots. Her presence at such a significant event underscores her dedication to amplifying the voices and histories of those often overlooked. Continued advocacy and global media presence 'It is all of our responsibility to make sure that all women and girls are free from this harmful practice'@SkyYaldaHakim speaks to Shudufhadzo Musida about the UNFPA's campaign to end Female Genital Mutilation around the 📺 Sky 501 and YouTube — Sky News (@SkyNews) February 6, 2025 In 2023, Shudu was also featured on Sky News, speaking passionately about ending female genital mutilation (FGM). Her unwavering campaign against the practice is part of her broader commitment to protecting women's rights worldwide. Even with her busy schedule, she remains actively engaged in humanitarian work, seamlessly balancing her roles as a model, student, and advocate. ALSO READ:Tributes pour in for TikToker Valeria Marquez, shot dead during livestream The beauty of purpose Once criticised and bullied during her reign as Miss South Africa, she has emerged stronger, using her voice to uplift others and drive real change. Her journey from Limpopo to New York is not just one of personal growth but of global influence. Whether in classrooms, conference rooms, or literary circles, Shudu continues to shine — not just with grace and glamour, but with heart and purpose.
Geeky Gadgets
11-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Geeky Gadgets
Create Your Own AI Instagram Influencer That Never Sleeps
What if you could create an Instagram influencer who never sleeps, doesn't need a paycheck, and can churn out content 24/7—all powered by artificial intelligence? It might sound like science fiction, but it's a reality that's reshaping the world of social media. Virtual influencers like Lil Miquela and Shudu have already proven that AI personalities can amass millions of followers and secure lucrative brand deals. Now, the tools to build your own AI-powered Instagram model are more accessible than ever. With platforms like OpenAI and Supabase, you can design a virtual influencer that not only looks stunning but also engages with audiences in a way that feels authentic and human. The question is: are you ready to step into this new frontier of creativity and innovation? In this project by AI Agents A-Z, you'll uncover how to craft a fully functional AI Instagram influencer from scratch. From defining your influencer's unique personality and style to automating content creation and scheduling, you'll gain a step-by-step understanding of the process. Along the way, you'll discover how tools like OpenAI can generate visually captivating posts and witty captions, while platforms like Supabase streamline your workflow. Whether you're looking to experiment with innovative technology, build a side hustle, or transform your brand's online presence, this guide will equip you with the knowledge to make it happen. The possibilities are endless, and the only limit is your imagination. Build an AI Influencer Step 1: Define Your AI Influencer's Identity The foundation of your virtual influencer lies in creating a well-defined character profile. Begin by imagining the personality, style, and audience appeal of your AI influencer. Ask yourself key questions to shape their identity: What type of content will they post? Will it be lifestyle, fashion, technology, or something else? will they post? Will it be lifestyle, fashion, technology, or something else? Who is their target audience? Are they appealing to teenagers, professionals, or niche communities? Are they appealing to teenagers, professionals, or niche communities? What tone and style will they use? Will it be casual, professional, humorous, or inspirational? Once you've established these details, use OpenAI's image generation tools to create a consistent visual identity. Upload reference images and craft detailed prompts to ensure your influencer's appearance aligns with your vision. This step is critical for maintaining a cohesive and recognizable brand image across all posts. Step 2: Gather the Necessary Tools To bring your AI influencer to life, you'll need to assemble a set of essential tools and accounts. These tools will form the backbone of your project, allowing you to manage content efficiently and automate workflows. The key components include: OpenAI Account: For generating high-quality images and text content. For generating high-quality images and text content. Supabase Account: To store, organize, and manage your content database. To store, organize, and manage your content database. Instagram Business Account: To access analytics, automation features, and enhanced audience insights. These tools work together to streamline the creation and management of your virtual influencer, making sure a smooth and efficient process. Build Your Own AI Instagram Influencer Watch this video on YouTube. Discover other guides from our vast content that could be of interest on AI influencers. Step 3: Configure Your Workflow With the necessary tools in place, the next step is to establish a structured workflow. Start by uploading reference images to Supabase's storage system and defining key parameters such as: Project ID: A unique identifier for your influencer project. A unique identifier for your influencer project. Bucket Name: A designated storage space for your content. A designated storage space for your content. Instagram Account ID: To link your influencer's content to their social media presence. Develop a detailed activity schedule to guide your content creation. Plan quarterly, monthly, and weekly themes to ensure your influencer remains active and relevant. This structured approach helps maintain consistency in your posting strategy while keeping your audience engaged. Step 4: Generate Content with AI AI tools are at the heart of your influencer's content creation process. Use them to generate: Post captions: Craft engaging and audience-specific text for each post. Craft engaging and audience-specific text for each post. Image prompts: Create detailed prompts to guide the generation of visuals. Create detailed prompts to guide the generation of visuals. Summaries: Tailor content summaries to align with your influencer's tone and style. Organize your content using a social media calendar to plan the timing and themes of your posts. Before publishing, review the AI-generated content to ensure it aligns with your objectives. Implement an approval workflow to refine text and images, guaranteeing quality and coherence in every post. Step 5: Automate Post Publishing Automation is key to maintaining a consistent posting schedule. Once your content is finalized, use automation tools to publish posts directly to Instagram. OpenAI's image generation tools can produce visually appealing content, which you can store and manage through Supabase. This seamless integration reduces manual effort and ensures your influencer remains active and engaging. Step 6: Customize and Manage Costs Your workflow can be tailored to suit your specific needs and budget. For example, you can start with one daily post and scale up as your influencer gains traction. Costs will vary depending on the quality of images you choose: Medium-quality images: Approximately $1.50 per month. Approximately $1.50 per month. High-quality images: Approximately $7 per month. This flexibility allows you to balance quality and budget effectively, making sure a professional online presence without overspending. Step 7: Explore Monetization Opportunities As your AI influencer grows in popularity, monetization opportunities such as sponsored posts, brand collaborations, and affiliate marketing may become available. To attract sponsors, focus on building a loyal following by consistently delivering engaging and relevant content. A well-executed strategy can transform your virtual influencer into a valuable revenue-generating asset. Overcoming Challenges While building an AI-powered Instagram influencer is achievable, you may encounter challenges along the way. Common issues include: Maintaining continuity: Making sure your influencer's persona remains consistent across all posts. Making sure your influencer's persona remains consistent across all posts. Approval workflows: Managing the review and refinement of AI-generated content. Managing the review and refinement of AI-generated content. Configuration errors: Avoiding mistakes during the setup of tools and workflows. To address these challenges, invest time in detailed planning and regular reviews. Follow setup guides carefully and refine your workflow as needed. By using AI tools effectively and staying organized, you can create a successful and sustainable virtual influencer. Media Credit: AI Agents A-Z Filed Under: AI, Guides Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
Time of India
09-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Digital clones of real models are revolutionising fashion advertising
HighlightsThe rise of digital clones and virtual influencers, driven by advancements in artificial intelligence and metaverse technologies, is revolutionizing fast-fashion marketing, allowing brands to create immersive and cost-effective campaigns that appeal to today's digital-first consumers. Fast-fashion retailer H&M has introduced AI-generated digital twins of real-life models for advertising, sparking debate over ethical concerns related to representation, transparency, and the potential displacement of human talent in creative industries. As the global influencer market is projected to grow to over USD 32 billion by 2025, brands must navigate challenges regarding consent, compensation, and authenticity to maintain consumer trust while leveraging virtual models for personalized shopping experiences. Driven by advances in artificial intelligence (AI) and metaverse technologies, digital clones are transforming fast-fashion marketing. Always available, ageless and adaptable to any setting, these virtual figures enable brands to create immersive, cost-effective campaigns that resonate with today's digital-first consumers. Virtual influencers -- digitally created personas used to provide entertainment, generate content and endorse brands -- are becoming increasingly influential, especially among Gen Z and digital-first audiences. These virtual figures vary in form: some, like Lil Miquela and Shudu, are entirely computer-generated, while others, such as Hatsune Miku, incorporate human elements like voice or motion. Hybrid influencers blend real and virtual components, allowing for brand-specific customisation. These virtual influencers boost brand visibility, drive engagement and influence market performance. Real persons, virtual personas The estimate for global influencer market size for 2024 was valued at over USD 24 billion and is projected to grow to over USD 32 billion in 2025. The rise of virtual influencers is particularly prominent in Asia. This trend is also reshaping the USD 2.5 trillion modelling industry, according to The Business of Fashion. AI-generated avatars and digital clones enable brands to cut production costs and accelerate campaign development. As a result, companies such as Levi Strauss and Co. are partnering with AI modelling firms to integrate these virtual personas into their marketing strategies. Digital twins Digital twins -- virtual replicas of real people -- are gaining traction in marketing to enhance personalisation, streamline content creation and deepen customer engagement. In the fashion world, they provide a means to maintain a sense of human connection while using AI for precision and volume purposes. Fast-fashion retailer H&M recently introduced AI-generated digital twins of real-life models for advertising and social media content. Positioned as a creative and operational aid rather than a replacement for human talent, the initiative has ignited industry-wide debate. While the brand highlights the advantages -- lower production costs and faster catalogue development -- some critics have raised ethical concerns regarding representation and transparency. These digital twins fall into the category of "front-of-camera" tools: static avatars used in visual content without independent personas or social media presence. Unlike virtual influencers, they do not interact with audiences or build followings. Instead, they function strictly as visual stand-ins for traditional models, who are compensated for the use of their likenesses, similar to conventional campaigns. As these avatars do not speak, endorse or engage directly with consumers, they remain subject to traditional advertising regulations -- not influencer marketing laws. Digital models are used for operational efficiency: testing and refining creative strategies before rollout, reducing costs and potentially offering immersive digital experiences to enhance customer connection and brand loyalty. Authenticity and other challenges In July 2024, fast-fashion retailer Mango launched its first advertising campaign featuring AI-generated avatars to promote a limited-edition collection for teenaged girls. These AI-generated influencers and digital twins introduce numerous ethical and legal challenges. These innovations raise difficult questions about the displacement of human talent -- including models, make-up artists, hairstylists and photographers -- and broader implications for creative industries. Key concerns centre on consent and compensation. The unauthorised use of an individual's likeness, even in digital form, poses a risk of exploitation and underscores the importance of clear standards and protections. The legal landscape regarding image rights and intellectual property is still evolving, which makes compliance both essential and complex. As the lines between reality and digital fabrication blur, brands risk eroding consumer trust. The authenticity that audiences value can be undermined if AI-generated content seems deceptive or inauthentic. Companies must tread carefully, balancing innovation with transparency. Diversity is another critical issue. While AI offers customisation, it can also perpetuate biases or create an illusion of inclusivity without genuine representation. As the use of AI proliferates, ensuring that digital models support, rather than hinder, meaningful advancement in representation will be essential. Ultimately, brands must implement ethical frameworks to ensure that AI enhances creativity while maintaining integrity, inclusivity and legal accountability. Strategic considerations Digital clones provide fast-fashion brands with a powerful tool to create personalised shopping experiences and enable greater representation of diverse body types and style preferences. This degree of customisation can significantly enhance customer satisfaction and brand loyalty. To ensure ethical integration, transparency is crucial. Brands must clearly disclose when digital models appear in campaigns. These digital representations should encompass a wide variety of demographics to genuinely promote inclusivity and engage with a broader audience. Establishing ethical and legal safeguards is equally important. Creating digital clones requires explicit consent and careful attention to intellectual property rights. Without clear guidelines and permissions, brands risk violating privacy, misusing likenesses and facing legal repercussions. (The Conversation) KRS KRS
