Silas Balabyekkubo is the Founder and Creative Director of Bavubuka Foundation
The Afro News, Vancouver : Silas Balabyekkubo is the Founder and Creative Director of Bavubuka Foundation in Kampala, Uganda and Vancouver, BC. This is an international community platform with a strong following of socially conscious musicians, fashion designers, visual artists, poets, motivational speakers and loyal consumers.
In our interview with Silas he explained that ‘Bavubuka’ means youth and the Foundation was formed because he was interested in the youth voice of youth in Africa.
He wanted to create a chance for young people to believe in themselves and for them to make a mark of their talents in their local communities as well as have global appeal.
Silas also encourages Parents to allow their kids to stay connected to where they come from. He also lets the youth know that they need to fill the gap in the opportunity divide especially here in our Western society.
Bavubuka Dynasty is a unique, forward-thinking brand focusing on fashion, music and art. Their collective of artists are innovative, creative entrepreneurs of all ages whose designs reflect the ingenuity and global appeal of their communities. These passionate minded artists seek to educate, preserve and archive the history of their culture and tradition by fusing traditional and contemporary elements to create products that celebrate urban indigenous lifestyles.
Bavubuka Dynasty is the first brand to merge the beauty and diversity of indigenous Uganda with luxury fashion and make a global impact. This brand explores the diversity and complexity of the true stories living in each community it represents. These stories inspire their dynamic, cutting edge line of products which includes t-shirt lines, documentary films, collaborative music albums, indigenous art, enviro-friendly jewelry as well as spoken word and storybook collections.
It is therefore summarized that Bavubuka Dynasty is a voice, an experience and a movement!
Charles (Ras) Kasozi Fashion Designer of Kampala, Uganda
Charles Kasozi also known in the industry as Ras Kasozi is a 25 year old self taught Fashion Designer of Kampala, Uganda. He was showcased at Vancouver Fashion Week.
During our interview with Ras he mentioned that he can’t believe that he could amount to what he is today. He is overwhelmed by how the global market has appreciated his art form so much.
Ras added that he wants to inspire others and uses his art form in his fashion designs.
Kasozi began his designing education through the mentorship of his mother at the early age of 14. His mother, a tailor and textile specialist began to show him different types of techniques for stitch work as well as easy ways to develop complex designs. Even at this early stage it was clear that Kasozi’s style was avant-garde. His lack of financial capital motivated him to explore new and unusual avenues of creating urban indigenous designs and he began experimenting with different textiles and materials to create the one-of-a-kind looks he is now known for.
His voracious desire to be at the top of the fashion industry in Africa drove him to every book shop seeking inspiration. It was the gift of an issue of Vogue magazine that affirmed his direction and solidified his vision for Kaswear. In 2009, with guidance and mentorship of the Bavubuka Foundation, he officially launched his first fashion label.
After joining the Bavubuka Foundation Kasozi found himself surrounded by a peer group who celebrated art and fashion, this positive creative environment allowed him to expand his dream and resulted in his partnership with Bavubuka Dynasty.
A rooftop photo shoot in Vancouver, Canada kicked off the creative partnerships global campaign and led to Kaswear being featured in the New York publication YAV (Young African Visionaries).
Kasozi’s signature looks combine his taste for refined style with recycled, natural, organic and indigenous materials. From humble beginnings using second-hand clothes, which he redesigned into his new desired styles, the Ras Kasozi flavor has taken Uganda fashion scene by storm and his illustrious designs have been linked with the who’s who in the Kampala music scene.
Kasozi closed our interview and said that some young people are talented but they don’t bring the results they seek and he encourages them to pursue their dreams by remaining focused and connecting with people that can help them to realize their dream.
