VINTAGE OR VIOLENCE

Textile boutique, Ndara, uses the act of creation to restore dignity and autonomy in the Central African Republic. Founded in 2017 this women’s cooperative has been instrumental in employing and upskilling victims of on-going violence in the region. From weekly leadership, math, and literacy classes to producing quality hand-made artisan products from upcycled textiles, Ndara has built something truly exquisite in one of the least known and poorest countries on the African continent. 

This episode, in conversation with founder Charlotte Mararv, we explore the possibilities of existing outside ‘survival mode’.

The 2015 EAC call to ban second-hand clothing was noble and complicated. Eventually, Uganda had to pull out, but the conversations to-ban or not-to-ban continue. This episode takes on the popular Ugandan Kimeeza (round table) debate format - a 360 look that brings us into the discourse at the heart of the second-hand clothing trade. With guests that include the Chairman of the largest second-hand clothing market in the country, and three activists who are for the ban, Bobby and Nikissi ask for ways in which we can reimagine the clothing and textiles industry for the economic benefit of the country.

In Kampala creativity is a survival tactic and the second-hand clothing trade is one of the few outlets. In this episode, Bobby & Nikissi have a candid conversation with trained professional chef Asengo Fill Kevins. She chronicles how the economic conditions of the time pushed her into selling second-hand clothes to make ends meet. Operating between Kampala and her home village in Tororo (200kms away) she used creativity and ingenuity to make it in this highly competitive and vulnerable business.

Education is widely considered the key to success. In Uganda a majority of university-educated young people find themselves turning to careers in informal industries - like the second-hand clothing trade. In this episode, Bobby & Nikissi speak to second-hand clothing boutique owner Faridah Ali. She reflects on her entry into the business,  her education in the Social Sciences and her dreams & aspirations. Her story reflects the challenges faced by the majority of young Ugandans, who cannot find meaningful employment in their field of study.

In this episode Bobby & Nikissi follow the golden age of textiles and the prosperity of Uganda with guest Professor Aaron Wanyama. With intimate knowledge of the rise and fall of cotton, from growing it himself in his youth to becoming a Professor of Textiles Technology at Kyambogo University and current Head of the Uganda Textiles Association, Prof. Wanyama details why the textiles industry is essential to the economic development of Uganda.

By the 1970s Uganda, like many African nations, had lost its post-independence shine. Destroying a wave of innovators, creators and manufacturers that were building a new Ugandan identity through industry. In this episode Bobby & Nikissi speak to philanthropist and businesswoman Morine Wavamunno who owned a thriving textile business and fashion house. She reflects on her dreams then and what may be possible today.

This episode was produced by Lesedi Oluko Moche with help from Patience Katushabe who is also the project manager. Directed by Nikissi Serumaga. Written by Nikissi Serumaga & Lesedi Oluko Moche with co-writer Bobby Kolade. Sound engineering & design by Ssozi Joseph

In this episode, Bobby & Nikissi are in conversation with second-hand clothing importer Hajji Muhammed Kitezaala. From the donation boxes in the global north, to the big business that is second-hand clothing, FRESH OFF THE BOAT dives into what happens when the clothing arrives in Uganda. Hajji speaks on how he got into the trade, the ins and outs of the business, and where the money goes.

This episode was produced by Lesedi Oluko Moche with help from Patience Katushabe who is also the project manager. Directed by Nikissi Serumaga. Written by Nikissi Serumaga & Lesedi Oluko Moche with co-writer Bobby Kolade. Sound engineering & design by Ssozi Joseph