Online Reporter
Langalihle Mhiti
Zimpapers Entertainment Hub
Well-known Zimbabwean designer Hatiperi Wacho has been officially labelled a “big” figure following his standout contribution to the Ama2k Festival, where he designed the now-viral Ama2k jerseys.
Already a recognised name in fashion and youth circles, Hatiperi has taken his influence a step further after his designs became one of the biggest highlights of the festival.
The jerseys, worn by many attendees and widely shared across social media, helped define the visual identity of the event and quickly became a central talking point among festival-goers.
“The jerseys were hard,” said one fan on social media. “They really captured the whole Ama2k vibe. Hatiperi did his thing.”
Another attendee added, “You could tell people were proud to wear them. It wasn’t just fashion it felt like part of the experience.”
The Ama2k jerseys were more than just clothing they became a symbol of identity and belonging. With bold colours and a strong streetwear influence, the designs reflected the energy and creativity of Zimbabwe’s Gen Z culture. Many young people embraced the jerseys as statement pieces, further amplifying Hatiperi’s creative direction.
As images and videos from the festival circulated online, praise for the designer grew rapidly. “Hatiperi is big now,” read one widely shared comment, echoing a sentiment repeated across multiple platforms. Another user wrote, “He has always been talented, but this just took him to another level.”
Hatiperi’s rise highlights the growing importance of behind-the-scenes creatives in shaping youth culture. While musicians and performers often take centre stage, designers like him are playing a crucial role in defining how events are seen and remembered.
“Fashion is now part of the storytelling,” said one local creative observer. “What people wear at events like Ama2k matters, and Hatiperi understood that perfectly.”
His ability to translate youth culture into fashion has set him apart as more than just a designer, positioning him as a trendsetter within Zimbabwe’s evolving creative space. By creating jerseys that resonated deeply with the Ama2k audience, he managed to leave a lasting impression without ever stepping onto the stage.
The Ama2k Festival, known for celebrating Gen Z creativity, continues to spotlight emerging and established talent across music, fashion and digital content. For Hatiperi, the festival became a defining moment a point where his work shifted from being appreciated within certain circles to being widely recognised. “This is a big moment for him,” said another fan. “Designing something that everyone is talking about at a festival like Ama2k is not small.”
