Cassidy’s passion for music and fashion goes far back
Being in the creative industry means one’s world constantly revolves around crafting and for Cassidy Sullivan Karon, lots of research is needed before implementing.
“I spend more time researching than I spend executing. I’m a big research geek,” he tells VIBEZ!
Known as Cass, and more recently Gongzilla by his friends, Cassidy produces music, designs clothes, do graphic design, and thus spends hours studying projects he is embarking on.
“If it is a magazine I am designing, then I do a lot of research on magazines. If it is fashion, then I do the same throughout. I am constantly doing research – new fashion trends, music trends – just to stay ahead, and that’s what research allows. I have to familiarise myself with the history of that particular subject.”
Born in the Katutura hospital on 22 May, 28 years ago, the rapper and fashion designer is another Gemini addition to the creative industry.
Who is Cassidy?
Music takes centre stage in his life and is imbedded in him, he says, describing it as “therapeutic in a way, despite the circumstances”.
“My upbringing was magical; fully-lived. We didn’t have much, but we knew how to get the most out of what we had. There was constantly music playing in the background, as my parents – both coming from musical backgrounds – listened to their music religiously.”
With a mother who is a Libra, specific and methodical about cleanliness – spring-cleaning on Saturdays was mandatory, says Cass.
“Great food, laughter – these are the things that come to mind when I think of my childhood. My family always went out of their way to make me believe and feel that I’m special.”
Cass has two siblings: Peter ‘Puna’ and Brummelda ‘Bruce’, wife of football legend Ricardo Mannetti, which explains why he is always present at Cassidy’s music or fashion shows.
“My mom did an amazing job with how close-knit she raised us, so much so that to this day, we are inseparable.”
A story sprouted from pain
Certain things trigger people to do things and in Cassidy’s case, led him to venture into his current avenues. He says losing his queen (mother) who introduced him to
music, led him to tap into making music.
“After my mother’s passing in 2018, I had so much negative energy that I needed to release, and music was what I needed at that point in terms of an avenue to release.”
“I felt a need to get a different channel of expression, and fashion ties in so closely with music; it almost happened naturally. Fashion, at first, was just something to experiment with, but after I wore my first pieces of clothing to a performance, and seeing the reaction to my designs, I knew I was onto something. Today that something is known as //CONCEPT. A beautiful story that sprouted from pain.”
Of his designs, he loves his caps more.
Fatherhood
“I have two children – a 12-year-old boy and my girl, who just turned a year. I am a big family man.”
Cooking skills
Some say “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach” and other say “even better if that man is handy in the kitchen to fill his own stomach”.
As for Cassidy, he takes pride in cooking really well.
“My favourite meal is oxtail and rice. It’s of the few meals that I remember the exact feeling I got when I first tasted. Yes, I’m quite handy in the kitchen and around the house in general. I pride myself in my cooking.
My mother was a qualified chef, so I learned a thing or two from her.”
When it comes to refreshments, he likes tea when trying to relax, but “late nights and early mornings are for coffee – which is almost every day. I take three sugars”.
In pursuit of football
Away from the music and fashion design studios, Cassidy does football managing and mentoring.
“Playing football manager is something I have pondered on. I ask myself every day if the opportunity to get into football presents itself, would I take it? Only time will tell.”