Chronicle Editor
Musa Natasha Mutsiba, [email protected]
HAVE you ever wondered who dresses artistes when they grace the stage or shoot their captivating music videos? Today, we have the pleasure of introducing you to one such mastermind in the realm of fashion design, Musa Selemani. With his keen eye for style and an unwavering passion for his craft, Selemani has become the go-to fashion designer for several renowned artists in Bulawayo.
Reflecting on his journey, Selemani reminisces about his first major project, dressing the talented Msiz’Kay for his groundbreaking music video, Ngawuzw’ umoya wami. He proudly takes credit for the exquisite costumes worn by Msiz’Kay and Awa Khiwe showcasing his exceptional talent and unique vision.
“I have dressed the likes of Msiz’Kay for the #Indlu Kamrapper concert and Gagisa for his album launch. There is something in the pipeline that is being cooked, possibly we might be dressing MJ Sings very soon. I have also dressed other prominent people and up-and-coming artistes as well.
In an intriguing revelation, he hints at an upcoming collaboration with the sensational MJ Sings. Not limited to established artists alone, Selemani extends his creative flair to dress prominent figures and budding talents within the industry.
“When it comes to dressing these artistes, it’s not like I have a fashion style that I impose on them or that I create for them or maybe impose my own fashion style because we as a fashion house have our own style that we normally push such that when you see something you will know that this is Urban Fusion designs.
“So what we do with these artistes since they are different artistes from different genres and with different taste in fashion, as a designer I try and incorporate their personality with their music.
We try and create something that blends and resonates with them such that when you hear Msiz’Kay’s song and his dressing, it will sort of complement his style of music and genre. We work on their different personalities such that we come up with something unique for them,” added Selemani.
Urban Fusion Designs, Selemani’s brainchild, serves as the fashion house responsible for his artistic endeavours. Selemani and his colleagues operate independently, undertaking all aspects of their craft under the Urban Fusion Designs banner. However, he highlights that they do collaborate with industry peers such as Dab Three Events to dress artistes during special occasions. These partnerships create mutually beneficial opportunities for all parties involved.
Looking to the future, Selemani aspires to elevate the fashion industry to international standards. Acknowledging Zimbabwe’s fashion scene is lagging behind, Selemani says he envisions an industry that not only thrives locally but also earns global recognition. His goal is to establish a platform that fosters the growth of emerging designers, ensuring the fashion industry remains inclusive and accessible to all. By facilitating collaborations among creatives, he envisions a united Bulawayo where talents converge and collectively drive each other toward success.
Selemani’s passion for fashion design stems from his upbringing as he was influenced by his father who was a tailor. It is a deeply ingrained aspect of his being, a creative force that he inherited and nurtured over time. As he draws inspiration from a myriad of sources, including nature, people, surroundings and events, Selemani’s designs embody a unique blend of innovation and relevance.
While every business faces its share of challenges, Selemani remains optimistic about the future of his fashion company. He proudly asserts that Urban Fusion Designs is flourishing.
“Business wise the fashion company is flourishing, we cannot complain and say the business is doing bad as we have partnered with some of the artistes and other companies. The direction that we are moving in is clear with some positive things happening” he said.
However, Selemani acknowledges the hardships faced by young creatives struggling to establish their fashion businesses, particularly within an arts industry where connections often dictate opportunities. He says he believes in equal opportunities for all, emphasising the importance of fostering an environment where growth is collectively achieved. By supporting one another and nurturing collaborations, Selemani envisions a vibrant Bulawayo where creatives can thrive side by side. — @TashaMutsiba
Online Reporter