Out of Africa

BACK in 2008, someone complimented Ghanaian-born Pinaman Owusu-Banahene on her outfit, and asked if she had thought about a career in fashion.

She hadn’t, but the idea led her to create the African Fashion Festival.

She is determined to see the festival happen in Wellington in May, after it had to be postponed for lack of funding in November.

Its aim is to showcase internationally acclaimed African designers, with all proceeds going to developing young leaders and creative talent.

Owusu-Banahene, a senior adviser at the Ministry of Health, has locked in eight designers from Ghana, Nigeria, Senegal, Mozambique, South Africa, Uganda, Australia and New Zealand.

They include Senegalese designer Sophie Nzinga Sy, who studied at the Parsons School of Design in New York, and has shown at Paris Fashion Week.

Each of the designers already give back to their communities by employing and upskilling local tailors and artisans.

Owusu-Banahene says the festival will support the African community in New Zealand, but will also expose Kiwis to the breadth of culture in Africa.

‘‘A lot of people think Africa is one culture, but it is a continent with 54 different countries within it.’’

Growing up in Ghana, she always wanted to give back, she says.

Originally she wanted to be a doctor, and studied health science at Auckland University. But while studying in New Zealand she accidentally attended a lecture that changed her path, hearing that the best way to help the greatest number of people was in policy.

She says that, so far, the

festival is being funded and organised off the back of generous sponsors, volunteers, and from her own pocket. The festival needs about 900 people to give between $30 to $50 each to make it happen.

So far $4345 of the $30,000 pledge target has been raised, and it is hoped the Spark My Potential crowd-funding page will give the festival the boost it needs. ‘‘If we don’t, to be honest, it will mean another postponement,’’ she says.

‘‘The initiative is very dear to me and I believe it’s a great opportunity to let New Zealanders know a lot about Africa and its diversity.

‘‘It will give a perspective people are not often exposed to, which is the talent and drive these young, creative people have.’’

Photo: ROSS GIBLIN/FAIRFAX NZ Style meets substance: Policy analyst Pinaman Owusu-Banahene is combining her love of fashion with her drive to help people by founding Africa Fashion Festival, a fashion week from which the profits go to developing young leaders.