The Sunday News
NOT so long ago, well a few weeks ago if memory serves me right, I posed a question to local designers, asking them how and what they were doing to promote African couture. I did on the other hand acknowledge that there were very few designers making inroads into the fashion industry and trying by all means to promote not only their labels but also African designs.
So just a couple of days ago a Zimbabwean friend, Danisa Mike Nyirenda, based in South Africa, a multi-talented individual if I may add, sent me a message asking me to read an article that had been published about him in an online magazine and blog.
For those who know him Danisa, Mikel Zee, as he prefers to go by nowadays, is a Bulawayo born actor, who broke into the South African showbiz industry and has made a name for himself. Not very recently he ventured into the fashion industry and to no surprise his name, through his label — Bow Afrika has become a much sought after brand.
Bow Afrika Fashion is a vibrant and exciting clothing line based in Johannesburg, South Africa, and appeals to everyone regardless of race or tribe.
According to the article on the online magazine, since the label was established last year, it has garnered a loyal international clientele and is in great demand.
“The clothing label was founded in February 2013 by five individuals, three of which have since left, with varying backgrounds in the arts and they have some amazing designs,” read part of the article.
Mike, who is one of the remaining founding members, told the magazine that the fashion project started “accidentally”, as he was interested in the film and music industry.
Obviously having a notable career in film, featuring in popular South African soap operas such as Generations and Egoli, fashion wasn’t really an industry he thought would build his name and would be lucrative.
However, because he did have a good fashion sense, he took a risk and look at where it has landed him. Not only making “big bucks” but also promoting African couture.
“He has also starred in various high profile adverts such as being the face of Clere Lotion for Men,” continued the article.
Mike’s other business partner, is Khule Mxotshwa, also an artiste, who many would recall his splendid script on the local drama Amakorokoza.
Him also being a script writer and having a keen interest in the arts ventured into fashion by default but also possessed a vivid fashion sense.
He has directed a play in South Africa, which has won him an award.
The magazine went on to state that Mike and Khule decided to start a fashion label because they figured that it would bring in the returns sooner.
“It was very hectic as we started on a zero budget. I remember when we walked into our first studio; we had only a maroon suitcase and a small radio,” said Mike in his interview with the magazine.
Now Bow Afrika has achieved considerable success and delivers to customers all over the world.
Mike and Khule feel that they are in a position to pursue their ambition of going into music and film and since the projects complement fashion, the duo will continue their sought-after clothing label.
Anyway I will let pictures do the rest of the talking for Mike and Khule, as I realise it would be a very cumbersome task to describe their work.
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Hi, I like your articles . . . they are good. — 0775952822.
Hello Peter, I was extremely fascinated by your article on hairdos. My opinion is that many black women feel they are not pretty enough if they aren’t wearing weaves or wigs. In the process they don’t realise the damage these hairdos have on the hairline in the long run. Women should be proud enough to wear their natural hair and still feel beautiful. Your article was well written, I enjoyed reading it. — +27782576986.
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