Online Reporter
Langelihle Dube, Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
In a fashion landscape often dominated by global trends and commercial giants, Bulawayo’s Juluka stands out not just for its style but for its story, one rooted in friendship, resilience and a refusal to follow the usual path.
Juluka, which has merchandise ranging from T-shirts to hats, has taken the streets of Bulawayo by storm with most notable personalities being spotted donning the brand. Attend any lifestyle event in the city, and you are likely to spot a sea of people sporting the Juluka brand, especially DJs rocking the iconic “Sweat For It” T-shirts or crowd members wearing the label’s gear. If not on bodies, the merchandise is often on display at event stalls, as the team actively pushes their brand at local gatherings.
The brand began as a small collective of friends, Bangani Ncube, Daniel Sibanda, Mthabisi Ncube, Blessing Bandana, Craig Mlotshwa and Brandon Bandana, who shared more than just a love for clothes. They shared a vision born out of frustration with limited opportunities and a desire for self-expression.
Back in 2018, the group launched under the name Sick and Tired, a raw reflection of their mood and ambitions. They had no outside funding or big backing, just a mix of ideas, creativity and a willingness to hustle. The Covid-19 pandemic years then hit hard, but the positive side was that it allowed them a period of reflection and change.
By 2022, the team regrouped, rebranded and emerged as Juluka. The new name signalled a fresh start, a move toward something bigger than just a clothing label.
Initially, Juluka experimented with sneaker care inspired by South Africa’s Walk Fresh SA, learning valuable lessons about detail and presentation along the way. But streetwear soon became their main focus, the perfect canvas for their message of grit and hard work, encapsulated in their slogan “Sweat for it”. This phrase, drawn from a Biblical verse about earning one’s keep, captures the ethos that runs through their designs and their story.
“The sneaker care business was just a stepping stone. It taught us the value of detail, of presentation and hustle,” said one of the co-founders, Bangani Ncube.
Juluka’s clothes do more than just make a fashion statement, they reflect a mindset.
“You have to look good to feel good and to do good. What you wear affects how you carry yourself and how people respond to you,” Ncube added.
Their designs speak to a generation that values authenticity and self-made success, and their growing customer base stretches beyond Zimbabwe’s borders.
Despite their growth, Juluka remains deeply connected to the local scene, paying homage to Bulawayo pioneers like Stars 29. The journey has not been easy for them but Juluka’s founders are clear-eyed about what it takes.
“We’ve learnt by doing — testing our products and listening to our customers. This hands-on approach, combined with our cultural pride and work ethic, has given Juluka a distinctive place in Zimbabwe’s fashion scene” said Ncube.
