Model with albinism came to Australia fleeing witch doctors

As a child he was being hunted by witch doctors in Africa, now 19-year-old model Weah Bangura, is making a name for himself at Australian Fashion Week.

Weah was born in Sierra Leone in West Africa, with albinism; a genetic condition that results in the lack of pigmentation in the hair, skin and eyes.

In some parts of Africa, people born with this condition are hunted and killed by witch doctors who hold the belief that the limbs of a person with albinism have supernatural powers that can bring wealth and good luck.

“They believe albinos have special powers for medicine and they’ll use every part of the body, crush our bones and drink our blood,” Bangura told The Daily Telegraph.

For those living with the condition, every day is a gamble as they live in fear of being abducted and harmed. Weah admitted his mother kept him indoors as a child, not only to protect his skin but also his safety. Even as they fled his home country, Weah's mother covered his head with a blanket to hide his distinctive features.

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Weah arrived in Australia as a refugee in 2003 at the age of five, and grew up to find freedom here in fashion and creativity.

“Fashion gives me freedom and none of my past matters. I get to be around creative people and when I put the clothes on, I feel like I’m wearing art,” Weah said to The Daily Telegraph.

His striking pale features and work in the industry is not going unrecognised having just walked the runway in Sydney, showcasing the designs of Justin Cassin.

Previously, Weah had also worked with top brands P.E Nation and Toni&Guy, along with appearing in magazine editorials for 10 Men and Oyster.

Expect to see more of Weah in the future as his director at FiveTwenty Model Management can already see his potential in the US and European markets where diversity on the runway continues to grow.

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