Jamhuri Wear: Star label

How about Jay-Z?

I was friends with guys from his management and one day, they told me they wanted something for him to wear for the Live8. I gave him the Mandela T-shirt. Then I am at home watching Live8 and Jay-Z appears wearing my T-shirt!

How was that?

It was unbelievable! My phone was ringing off the hook, my email inbox was filling by the minute and I thought I was dreaming. He was the biggest name in hip-hop and the biggest trendsetter wearing my T-Shirt. That was the turning point for Jamhuri Wear because before that, people never took a brand associated with Africa seriously.

Didn’t he also wear your hoody when he came to Tanzania?

Yes. Again, I met one of his handlers who just told me that Jay Z was looking for something for his African tour and I custom-made a Tanzanian Jamhuri Wear hoody and the fact that in his trip to Africa, he wore my brand was also unbelievable.

Right place at the right time!

I thank God for that because that has been the story of my life. Everything just comes together and works for the best. It is also having to hustle and not taking anything for granted.

Other achievements?

Jamhuri Wear has added names like rapper Ludacris on our roaster which is big for us. We have opened a co-op store in little Africa Harlem NY called Bebe Noir. I have lent my voice in telling the story to a book being published in the US titled IMMIGRANT INC about the journey of being an immigrant, the hardships and chasing the American dream.

What next now?

Me and my team are always striving to be the best we can be and trying to promote our culture. One think I learnt is that I can’t compete with an American to be America or a European to be European. The only way I can compete is as an African and we are taking African pride to the world.

Seen any potential in Kenya?

There’s a lot of potential. It’s unbelievable. I would love to grow Jamhuri Wear to be a brand that helps nurture talent and provide employment and I have seen it is possible.

pmwaniki@nation.co.ke