A celebration of power, creativity and vision shaping today’s Africa. This issue uncovers the innovators, dreamers and cultural architects redefining what excellence looks like in Africa.
In 2020, marking the onset of his career, Blessing ventured into the designing and styling industry, eyeing African men's wear.
Like any other journey, the first steps are like the pangs of childbirth. The road wasn't a Milky Way for Blessing as from a thirsty pocket, no connection, came a series of rejections, judgments from the court of public opinion, blocking and the master of all lessons from the school of blue-ticking by potential helpers.
"I started my brand with US$30. I didn't even have a brand name or a logo. The only models I knew were the ones I saw on TV, but I told myself that even if people see this as taboo, I'm going to make a name for myself."
"My defining moment would be when my niece, Tanatswa Kaseke, who worked for a local televisionstation, interviewed me and introduced me to a few people in the industry".
"Either way, it wasn't easy because when I reached out to some of them, it was either better blocked or blue ticked," said Blessing.
From local runways to international stages, Blessing is now a force in the industry, bagging accolades across the continent. Not only is he engraving his name on the walls of history, but this exposure has also been an avenue to sharpen his creative sense and style.
"I have been to countries like Malawi where I won Best African Fashion Designer in Men's Wear. Also have been to South Africa where I hosted my runway shows and did a documentary with EXCLUSIVE