The SoCreative Summit, initiated by the British Council is dedicated to supporting creatives and social entrepreneurs. This year's theme"EMERGENCE" explores various aspects of creative growth and identity across Africa, from new work and ideas to technology and cultural narratives. 

Panel discussions on Day 1 of the SoCreative Summit in Johannesburg [PHOTO EAA]

 According to the summit is a platform for Knowledge sharing " Summits allow for the exchange of ideas, best practices, and learnings across creatives and entrepreneurs from different African countries. This cross-pollination can spark new collaborations and projects. Large gatherings enable attendees to build connections with peers from other nations, which could lead to future partnerships, investments, or joint ventures" says event organizers 

 Day 1 of the SoCreative Summit in Johannesburg [PHOTO EAA]

 By exploring themes like new technologies and cultural narratives, participants gain exposure to cutting-edge developments shaping the creative economy across Africa. Fashion designers from the Creative DNA Africa program were selected to showcase during this continental event from Zimbabwe. Uganda, Kenya, and Nigeria. 

Chido Kaseke, the Creative Director and founder of PatCh Maokoe [PHOTO EAA]

Chido Kaseke, the Creative Director and Founder of PatCh Maokoe Zimbabwe leads a team of skilled women artisans in crafting high-end bags from the hessian fibre in Harare. Each bag is meticulously handmade, reflecting the brand's commitment to quality and sustainability. Chido's leadership ensures that every stitch is carefully placed, emphasizing the brand's dedication to eco-conscious practices. Combining hessian with locally sourced leather creates durable and biodegradable accessories, including their Zero-Waste Range, which utilizes remnants from production.

Made by PatCh Maokoe [PHOTO EAA]

Made by PatCh Maokoe [PHOTO EAA]

Made by PatCh Maokoe [PHOTO EAA]

 Sandra, the founder of Ihato [PHOTO EAA]

Sandra, the founder of Ihato Designs, a jewellery and accessories business leads a contemporary brand that stands as a beacon of sustainability and craftsmanship. Inspired by the Ruhororo language of western Uganda, Ihato embodies resilience and determination in its commitment to reclaiming brass and repurposing cow horns to create exquisite jewellery and accessories. In a world consumed by fast fashion, Ihato offers a refuge for those who prioritise quality and sustainability. Each piece crafted by Ihato tells a story of heritage and conscious choice, inviting customers to embrace mindful consumption. More than mere adornments, Ihato pieces symbolise empowerment, authenticity, and the enduring allure of conscious luxury.

Made by Ihato Designs [PHOTO EAA] 

Made by Ihato Designs [PHOTO EAA]

Made by Ihato Designs [PHOTO EAA]

Godfrey Katende founder and creative director IGC Fashion [PHOTO EAA]

Godfrey's fashion brand, IGC Fashion is a Ugandan streetwear label inspired by African tradition, heritage, and culture, paired with a forward-thinking and unique design aesthetic. We look at a garment as a moving, breathing piece of sculptural art that can be used as a vehicle for communicating and questioning ideas about our culture; we use natural and indigenous materials such as Nsimbi (cowrie shells), Lubugo (barkcloth), second-hand garments as fabric combined with experimental shapes and patterns to make clothing. IGC Fashion uses fashion as a tool for positive social change.

Made by  IGC Fashion [PHOTO EAA]

Made by  IGC Fashion [PHOTO EAA]

Made by  IGC Fashion [PHOTO EAA]

Mariam Kembo Founder and Creative Director of Mariam Couture [PHOTO EAA]

Mariam Couture, an environmentally conscious fashion brand based in Kenya, embodies luxury and comfort while promoting sustainable fashion. Using high-quality, eco-friendly fabrics, they prioritize zero waste design production, minimizing the environmental impact. Their 'patch' collections offer unique, limited-edition styles while supporting local artisans.

Made by Mariam Couture [PHOTO EAA]

Made by Mariam Couture [PHOTO EAA]

Made by Mariam Couture [PHOTO EAA]

 Oyinda Ahmed-Salawudeen Founder and Creative Director NYA [PHOTO EAA]

NYA, a Lagos-based women's wear clothing brand, is a testament to the fusion of African heritage and contemporary flair. Founded by Oyinda, a visionary embroidery designer with a fervour for French and African artisanal techniques, NYA intricately weaves cultural narratives into every stitch. Beyond fashion, NYA is a beacon of community empowerment, exemplified through its pioneering training programme. By imparting the art of tambour beading to unemployed and unskilled women, NYA offers employment opportunities in addition to fostering a sense of dignity and purpose within the community.

Made by NYA  [PHOTO EAA]

Made by NYA  [PHOTO EAA]

Made by NYA  [PHOTO EAA]

 Sandra Suubi founder and Creative Director of Sandra Suubi [PHOTO EAA]

Sandra Suubi was born in 1990, in Kampala, Uganda. She is a socially conscious visual activist, whose multimedia physical and sonic sculptural works are a response to her observation/ study/ experience of popular visual culture and social practices, especially in her country Uganda. From her early sculptures, constructed from an assorted range of found objects – used plastic, tyres, metal, discarded boats, etc ¬- to the most recent wearable performance installations ( Samba Gown, 2022, Kiragala 2021) made of 2nd hand clothes, plastic pipes, used jeans, used cables, and such, Suubi broaches issues thatdeal as much with industrialization, single-use plastic, climate change, commodity, and exploitation, as with the transformative effects of the accumulation of mass-produced goods, material culture and women’s lived experiences.

Made by Sandra Suubi [PHOTO EAA]

\Made by Sandra Suubi [PHOTO EAA]

Made by Sandra Suubi [PHOTO EAA]

THE RCFS'S MEDIA