HAMBOGEZA

HAMBOGEZA also known as HAM is one of the Fashion brands which contribute to our South African Street Culture, it was founded by William and Qiniso and Last week Saturday, I had a great opportunity to speak to William to find out more about HAM.

 

HAMBOGEZA is a phrase which is derived from the Zulu language which when translated means 'Go bath'. It’s not only an interesting name for a brand, but how it came into existence is just as interesting. William says that the name for the brand was inspired by an encounter with a homeless person while having a night out in Rosebank. He says the homeless person had recognised him and advised him to make something original and African. And two days later William suggested the name HAMBOGEZA to his partner Qiniso. And in staying true to the name of the brand, it is through HAM that they interpret the idea of staying clean, true to yourself and being ahead of the game.

The journey of HAMBOGEZA all began when William and Qiniso were in grade 9 and Qiniso had come up with the idea of starting something unique. Yet looking back, the only thing they would change about their journey is their marketing and planning skills, they didn’t plan much which is why today William believes that “when you don’t plan, you plan to fail”. And since the beginning of HAM William has gained a lot of recognition and some may even say that he is an inspiration and even iconic.

The fashion industry is a competitive industry however William doesn't think he has much competitors as he believes everyone should stay in their lane because everyone is doing something different and unique and therefore you’re only competing with yourself. Though William wouldn't describe himself as an artists but he would rather describe himself as a visionary who is here to solve problems. And when asked about our South African Street Culture Fashion William said that, “I feel like South Africans always overdo it, everyone follows the same trend, we all try looking different that we all end up the same”  hence William believes that everyone should stay in their own lane.

When it comes to their photography HAMBOGEZA works closely with the photographer Teboho Gondo, who does most of their photography and even when it comes to coming up with concepts “we usually sit down with Gondo when working out our concepts. And we do plan on continuing to work with Gondo”, hence they are a packaged deal.

Although they are becoming a well-known brand, William says that he does not believe in collaborations but if the opportunity had to present itself he wouldn’t mind collaborating with Nike rather than any other local brand. However a lot of his inspiration comes from Andy Warhole because “he basically created pop culture and has a unique vision”

Andy Warhole may inspire William a lot but if he had to invade a celebrity’s closet, it would have to be Theophilis London’s closet as he may be a reflection of Williams style, “his style is a lot like mine”. But when it comes to shopping William heads straight for TopShop when looking for High-Street fashion, but then again most of the time he is wearing his own clothes. And according to William; the most important item of clothing you could have is sneakers, “Nothing completes an outfit like sneakers” but when it comes to winter style he believes in keeping it simple and layers are important.  And when he isn’t working, you might catch him drawing.

He advices anyone who may want to get into the fashion industry to only get in if you have the passion and drive as many people mostly do it for the money and fame, “People don’t have the right mind set. Don’t get in with no passion, stay in your lane”. We can definitely expect much more from HAM because when William was asked about where he sees himself in the next 5 years he simply said; he sees himself on top.

5 More Seconds with William

1)    School Boy Q / Isaiah Rashad

Isaiah Rashad

2)    Okmalumkoolkat / Cassper Nyovest

Okmalumkoolkat

3)    Kanye West / Pharrell Williams

Pharrell Williams

4)    Rihanna / Rita Ora

Rihanna

5)    Adidas / Nike

Nike

You can catch up with HAMBOGEZA's tumblr page @ www.hambogeza.tumblr.com and follow William on Twitter @WILLESTILIOS

 

Images were taken by Teboho Gondo, to find out more about him you will just have to wait for Fridays Post.

In the meantime,you can check out more of his images on his blog

 @ www.Alternativevisuals.tumblr.com

or you can follow him on twitter @Gondo__

Happy Shopping Guys 

XoXo