DRC contestants Soudi Fatou (left) and Thethe Ntumba talk backstage between acts.

Stella gets her make up done for the “native” part of the event, where music from all 5 countries is played.

One of the many wardrobe changes that take place during the event.

The view from backstage as participants in Miss Mama Kilo 2015 enter the stage.

The "native" performance is the last act contestants have to perform alone in front judges and a packed crowd.

Soudi Fatou dances during the native performance. This year's jury came from Mali, Ivory Coast and Benin.

Nelly Okombi, from Republic of Congo, won the 7th edition of Miss Mama Kilo. As the new Miss Mama Kilo, she gets a weekend trip to Paris offered by one of the sponsors. This is Congo's third crown in seven years, but all of the contestants received cash prizes regardless of the their result.

Preparations continue until the day of the event at the Olympic Palace Hotel.

The event starts at 19H00, however contestants arrive early in the morning to get their hair and make up done.

Two contestants help each other prepare their hair in the backstage area of Miss Mama Kilo 2015.

Make up artists work all night on the day of Miss Mama Kilo. The event has 6 wardrobe changes, and contestants' makeup has to match each style.

Stella waits with the other contestants in anticipation, just moments before going on stage.

All 18 contestants carry their countries' flags. Republic of Congo was the most represented with five contestants.

Nelly Okombi from Congo took home the title of Miss Mama Kilo 2015.

The last rehearsal takes place at the Olympic Palace Hotel the day before the ceremony.

Magalie Opangot from Republic of Congo (left) and Jenny Elongo from Central African Republic share a moment together during rehearsal. It´s the third time they participate side by side in Miss Mama Kilo.

Rosine surveys the runway during the last rehearsal at the Continental Palace Hotel. She directs contestants with a firm hand at all times.

Stella Amoussou, from Porto Novo, Benin, runs a little cosmetic shop in Brazzaville with her family.

Julie Mangono, a comedian from Kinshasa, and Stella are close. Miss Mama Kilo has a friendly atmosphere where contestants always help each other out.

This year´s edition drew contestants from five countries: Republic of Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, Angola, Benin and the Central African Republic.

Stella Amoussou is from Porto Novo, Benin. She moved to Brazzaville 15 years ago. Rosine approached her in the street and asked her to be part of this year´s Miss Mama Kilo.

Contestants rehearse twice a week at Rosine´s restaurant in Brazzaville.

Rehearsals become an attraction in the neighbourhood.