5 minutes with ...
Tell us about what you do.
Nana Kwasi Wiafe: I am the founder of THOUARTKWASI, I am a stylist, creative director and model.
Kwena Baloyi: I am a cultural ambassador – that is a leader, universal, timeless, noble, facilitator.
What is it like being an African creative?
NKW: It is not easy but with hard work and putting the right work out there, we are gradually making an impact .
KB: Being an African creative is about freedom. Africa is in us and pushes me more to propel Africa forward in the global market.
What inspires your work?
NKW: I am inspired by the people I see every day on the street, by music and stories of people in general. KB: My people, our stories, our struggles and constant fight for freedom.
With a global eye on Africa, what narratives about
Africa are you trying to express through your work? NKW: It’s important for me to show the world that regardless of all our challenges as Africans, we are talented, super-creative and hardworking people and we have a lot to offer as a continent. So I try to show that in the best way in my work by telling great and inspiring stories.
KB: I try to express that we are enough, worthy, we know ourselves and need no validation from the global eye.
What does heritage mean to you?
NKW: Heritage means the tradition and culture of where I am from. The past is as significant as the present. KB: It contributes a lot to my sense of identity. It means remembrance in many ways, and it fuels my need to embrace and know more of our diverse continent.
How does your heritage inspire your style?
NKW: Growing up, I learnt a great deal from everything around me, how people dress, the kind of clothes they buy, the music, etc. That has influenced my style. I like how the “oldies” used to dress, especially in the ’90s.
KB: Everything from creative expression to historical inheritance, language, food, clothes, and the land we live in, all build up my sense of self and form my style. Follow Nana Kwasi Wiafe on Instagram @nana.kwasi.wiafe and Kwena Baloyi @KwenaSays