First quarter done
and I can safely say my motto for this year is “big tings a gwan”…. In case you don't know what that means, because unlike me you don't secretly harbour fantasies of coming back
as a Jamaican in a future life, it means big things are happening.
I wasn't kidding in that last post about our delusions of grandeur. This year is about making big things happen, especially
with the blog (now now before you protest, remember quality not quantity). The start of this will be a new chapter in the Makgarebe story. We're taking on a project we've been
passionate about since day one, representing young Africans with big dreams. Dreams are contagious ya'll.
First, in what will hopefully be a long line, is someone I
consider a testament to the everyday hustle. I interviewed a near and dear
friend of mine LUNDOKA NIKKI UNENE known to many as NICK to talk about his
business and a project that I am crazy passionate about.
And so Makgarebe presents
ELESKAY MY CITY, an Urban Clothing Brand dedicated to putting Lusaka and Zambia
on the map for all the right reasons. This brand has slowly been garnering attention
on the local youth scene and we wanted to sit down with the founder and see how
this all came about. where his head was at when he started the project and hopefully shed a bit of light on how everyday people become moguls in the making. just remember, when he's rich and famous, you saw him here first!
 |
| The Man Himself, NICK |
Les Interview
What is ELESKAY MY CITY ?
ELESKAY is an urban clothing brand which seeks to represent Zambia's vibrant urban youth culture. We're trying to change the world's perception of Zambian youth, its fashion and culture, things that we are not really known for. We're trying to get the youth to be proud of where they're from and the “rep” the things they love about their country and the city Lusaka.
Where did ELESKAY come from, is it something you've always been interested in ?
Well I've been a do-it-yourself, MacGyver-Graphic designer for some time now and started by playing around with various ideas. When I moved from Botswana to Lusaka I found the vibe was different; People were more lively, had a serious love for technology and there was just an energy I hadn't seen before in Bots. I liked and appreciated it but realised that when I was living in Bots I didn't really hear much about that side of Lusaka, Zambia or the young people here. And thought why not come up with a brand that celebrated LSK, as much as ENYCE and so it was born.
What was your perception of Zambia before you moved back here ?
That our economy isn't doing so well. Also Zambian art and music isn't really heard about in foreign countries and most of what you do hear is focused on the older generation but when you actually get here you see rappers, skate boarders and designers. Zambia seemed kind of backward.
What do you think is the reason so little is said about Zambia's youth culture internationally?
Marketing, Zambians don't market themselves as much as they could. Secondly perception. We buy a lot into what comes from outside. There's a lot of love in Zambia for South Africa and African things. We're all African and that's great but we tend to promote other people over ourselves. Hopefully in 5 to 10 years that can change. Zambians can propagate and promote what they have to offer more.
So what exactly is ELESKAY MY CITY's goal ?
A lot of local brands do not expand the way they should or get the exposure they should. Some of that is because our business standards are low and our pride in local products isn't as strong as it could be. Our brand seeks to change all of that. We will feel we have achieved our goals when local clothing brands (no just ELESKAY) are sold in major retail stores alongside international brands and can be marketed and sold on the same level.
Someone might think you're simply trying to take what America and South Africa have done for themselves and tweak it a bit. What would you say to that ?
The way I see it everyone has their own personal goals but there will always be big players in the game. In order to achieve success you've got to aim to play at that level, so they're more of reference point than someone we're trying to imitate.
How has your past, particularly growing up in a foreign country helped you get to this point ?
Growing up in foreign country definitely gives you a different perspective on things. In Botswana being a foreigner is a very big deal and it makes you question who you are. In contrast Zambians don't really seem to care where you from. You can't help but compare the two and pick the best of both worlds. Becoming someone who is very patriotic but has a love for all people.
After all we are all African in the end. Batswana have definitely impacted their level of pride on me changing the way I do business.
So how can I or anyone else get involved in the movement (besides buying a T-Shirt) ?
It's a very practical thing. Taking pride in your country starts with something as simple as not littering. You have to believe in the vision, take ownership of your home. Stop waiting for someone to come and change things, in the end it's our home and our story. Buy local, think local, promote your
country.
FIN!
I Couldn't have said it better myself. If you're interested in being part of the movement or simply want to rock a cool T check their Facebook and Instagram to make direct orders
Hope to ya'll rocking your ELESKAY Tee's soon. In case you're wondering I already have one.
