Talking Gweri with Zulu
From writing lyrics and singing to music lovers, to designing socks and garments in a home studio. Zulu proves that where there is a will, there's a way.
It is becoming a norm for celebrities to have side-gigs outside their around-the-clock job of being famous, and many have turned to developing their own clothing lines.
Here we are not talking about printing your name on T-shirts, but rather going out of your way to actually make garments.
A lot of celebrities have used their fixation for fashion to create their own clothing brands and bring their own signature styles to the people.
Boity Thulo and Nandi Madida are some of the celebrities who are currently killing it right now, and locally, Zulu from award-winning group Ama-Daz-Floor, is now also making waves in this regard.
He is well-known for his love of vintage clothing and has now joined the ranks of the few Namibian celebrities who have capitalised on their fashion sense.
The singer established his Gweri Vintage Collection four years ago, but things have picked up pace this year, with his clothing and socks gaining more traction in the market.
He says the name comes from Namibia's guerrilla revolutionary soldiers.
“Before I did my research I thought like most people that a Gweri is a person who doesn't know anything, but I found out it's an abbreviation to guerrilla. It worked for my brand because it really is for everyone, from known to unknown people,” he said.
To date, the clothing line has ready-to-wear garments, accessories and happy socks.
Zulu is currently the mastermind behind the clothing line and makes all the decisions, from the designs to the tailoring.
He believes at the moment there are few brands that particularly represent Namibian fashion, hence his desire for Gweri Vintage to soar.
“I delegate and this is simply because I have a vision for Gweri Vintage and everything made needs to look a certain way.
“I want to expand the vision and one day be able to own a factory to create jobs and basically show the world that we Namibians are also creative,” he added.
Zulu recently launched his happy socks line and has so far sold 200 pairs.
His socks tell a Namibian story and the designs are influenced by local tribes.
So far, socks with Odelela (Oshiwambo traditional designs) and Namibian dots are on sale.
“They are special socks, hence the name. It's all about educating those who are unaware of the brand, but it is also about bringing Namibia to the world.”
Zulu will be showcasing his designs for the first time at Windhoek Fashion Week from 6 to 10 November.
He will be focusing on Namibian colours, landscapes and traditional attire patchwork.
“I don't want people to look at the clothing line and say it belongs to a certain tribe or ethnic group. It will represent everyone and it is targeted at the young and vibrant. I just want to let them know that everything is possible and everyone's dreams are valid,” he said.
The artist says he is willing to work with anyone who can take the brand higher through collaborations.
He called upon creatives who have designs that are aligned with Gweri Vintage to reach out to him.
June Shimuoshili
Here we are not talking about printing your name on T-shirts, but rather going out of your way to actually make garments.
A lot of celebrities have used their fixation for fashion to create their own clothing brands and bring their own signature styles to the people.
Boity Thulo and Nandi Madida are some of the celebrities who are currently killing it right now, and locally, Zulu from award-winning group Ama-Daz-Floor, is now also making waves in this regard.
He is well-known for his love of vintage clothing and has now joined the ranks of the few Namibian celebrities who have capitalised on their fashion sense.
The singer established his Gweri Vintage Collection four years ago, but things have picked up pace this year, with his clothing and socks gaining more traction in the market.
He says the name comes from Namibia's guerrilla revolutionary soldiers.
“Before I did my research I thought like most people that a Gweri is a person who doesn't know anything, but I found out it's an abbreviation to guerrilla. It worked for my brand because it really is for everyone, from known to unknown people,” he said.
To date, the clothing line has ready-to-wear garments, accessories and happy socks.
Zulu is currently the mastermind behind the clothing line and makes all the decisions, from the designs to the tailoring.
He believes at the moment there are few brands that particularly represent Namibian fashion, hence his desire for Gweri Vintage to soar.
“I delegate and this is simply because I have a vision for Gweri Vintage and everything made needs to look a certain way.
“I want to expand the vision and one day be able to own a factory to create jobs and basically show the world that we Namibians are also creative,” he added.
Zulu recently launched his happy socks line and has so far sold 200 pairs.
His socks tell a Namibian story and the designs are influenced by local tribes.
So far, socks with Odelela (Oshiwambo traditional designs) and Namibian dots are on sale.
“They are special socks, hence the name. It's all about educating those who are unaware of the brand, but it is also about bringing Namibia to the world.”
Zulu will be showcasing his designs for the first time at Windhoek Fashion Week from 6 to 10 November.
He will be focusing on Namibian colours, landscapes and traditional attire patchwork.
“I don't want people to look at the clothing line and say it belongs to a certain tribe or ethnic group. It will represent everyone and it is targeted at the young and vibrant. I just want to let them know that everything is possible and everyone's dreams are valid,” he said.
The artist says he is willing to work with anyone who can take the brand higher through collaborations.
He called upon creatives who have designs that are aligned with Gweri Vintage to reach out to him.
June Shimuoshili
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