Made in Africa Podcast Episode 21: Liberating the African Minds from the Western Mindset in Fashion

In this compelling episode, we welcome back Mr. Saitoti Meitamei, founder and CEO of Deslight Fashion School in Nairobi, Kenya. Known for his humility and dedication to nurturing young fashion talent, Saitoti shares innovative approaches to building a sustainable fashion education model that prepares students for real-world competition.

Saitoti discusses how Deslight Fashion School is integrating technology into its curriculum while maintaining a perfect balance between quality education and sustainability principles. He provides insights into several exciting collaborations, including the school's partnership with the upcoming Kitenge Fashion Festival & Awards 2025, highlighting its unique features and significance in promoting African textiles.

The conversation explores Deslight's organization of Mr. & Miss Nairobi 2025, an inclusive modeling competition that notably features plus-size models, breaking traditional beauty standards. Saitoti also previews his participation as a panelist at the Africa Sourcing and Fashion Week 2025 in Nairobi, where he'll contribute to important industry discussions.

This episode delivers valuable perspectives for fashion enthusiasts, aspiring designers, and entrepreneurs looking to make their mark in Africa's growing fashion ecosystem. Saitoti's vision represents a movement toward authentic African fashion education that honors heritage while embracing innovation.

The Made in Africa podcast, hosted by fashion industry expert and journalist Celestin Ntawirema, continues its mission of showcasing African creativity, craftsmanship, and entrepreneurial spirit across fashion, beauty, art, and home goods sectors, celebrating the continent's rich cultural heritage

For the past two years, Made in Africa podcast host Celestin Ntawirema has encountered Mr. Saitoti Meitamei at numerous events where he featured as a guest speaker, particularly on sustainable fashion. Saitoti is known for his humility and dedication to supporting young, upcoming fashion designers to become established professionals shaping Africa's fashion industry.

In Episode 20, we explore Mr. Saitoti's journey from conceptualizing a fashion school to support youth across East Africa to establishing the successful Delight Fashion School, which has graduated over 300 students. Listeners will discover his inspirations, hobbies, favorite foods, sports, colors, and design styles.

Don't miss part 2 of this conversation in Episode 21 with Director Saitoti Meitamei, coming soon with your host, Celestin Ntawirema. This episode is sponsored by Fashion Trends Africa by RCFS.

Want to be featured on our podcast? Reach out at ncbethebest1@gmail.com or info@rcfs.rw, or send a WhatsApp message to +254793550537.

Made in Africa podcast brings you true and original stories of Africans in a growing movement highlighting the craftsmanship, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit of African designers, artisans, and businesses. With more than 10 years working in the fashion industry, Mr. Celestin Ntawirema, CEO and founder of the Rwanda Cultural Fashion Show (RCFS), produces and hosts the Made in Africa podcast.

Our weekly episodes feature fashion, beauty products, art, home goods, and more, showcasing Africa's rich cultural heritage and innovation.

Episode 19 brings you Melat Terefe who is the Founder and Creative Director of DolMel, an Ethiopian fashion brand revolutionizing the ancient tradition of hand-weaving by integrating it into the 21st century.

In this episode, Melat takes us to the Africa Sourcing and Fashion Week 2024 which she attended as a showcasing fashion designer and as the guest speaker. She shares her experience gained from this continent trade fair and her inspiration from the event itself.

Melat’s goal is to create simple, chic, and bohemian-inspired clothing that celebrates and expresses one's unique identity, perfectly reflecting the wearer's personality. Her designs are characterized by an edgy vintage look, enhanced with vibrant colors and intricate patterns.

She aims to preserve Ethiopian heritage by safeguarding the art of traditional hand-weaving through innovation. She strives to ensure this cherished craft thrives into the future without losing its handcrafted essence, blending the old with the new, seamlessly and beautifully.

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Gracia Paulina Kibangu, a Namibian model and finalist in Miss Culture Global 2024, is set to compete in South Africa. Born in South Africa to Herero and Angolan parents, Gracia was raised in Namibia. She is known for her sophistication, intelligence, and compassion.

In a podcast hosted by Celestin Ntawirema, Gracia discussed her successful modeling journey, highlighting her multiple contest wins and positive outlook. Remarkably multilingual, she speaks seven languages, including English, Afrikaans, Lingala, Kicongo, French, and Portuguese, and partial fluency in Oshiwambo and Oshiherero.

Currently working as a real estate agent, Gracia's hobbies include modeling, dancing, and charity work. With 11 years of modeling experience, she is confident about her chances in the Miss Culture Global 2024 pageant.

Gracia's life motto emphasizes hard work, determination, and satisfaction in one's achievements. In episode 18 of the podcast, she elaborated on her plans if she wins the title and addressed the challenges women face in Namibia and Africa, sharing her ideas for solutions.

Her commitment to making a positive impact and her diverse background make Gracia a strong contender for the Miss Culture Global 2024 title.

Don't Miss Our weekly episodes sponsored by Fashion Trends Africa by RCFS

CONTACT US: info@rcfs.rw

Tabby Yalla, a Kenyan fashion designer, is the founder of Godmesa, a fashion brand born and based in Kenya. In episode 17 of a podcast hosted by Celestin Ntawirema, Tabby shared her journey as a fashion designer and the inspirations behind her career.

Tabby credits her mother as her primary influence in pursuing fashion design. Her unique approach blends cultural elements with modern aesthetics, creating distinctive garments for her clients. Tabby is passionate about sustainable fashion, viewing it as a way to protect both the African continent and the global environment. She encourages fellow African designers to adopt sustainable practices in their work.

During the podcast, Tabby discussed the challenges of pricing and fabric availability in Kenya. She emphasized the importance of collaboration among Kenyan fashion designers, not only for sustainable development but also for boosting the country's economy.

Tabby's work with her Godmesa showcases her commitment to innovative, culturally-rooted design while addressing contemporary issues in the fashion industry. Her advocacy for sustainability and collaboration highlights her role as a thought leader in Kenya's evolving fashion landscape.

Don't Miss our weekly Episode sponsored by Fashion Trends Africa by RCFS

CONTACT US: info@rcfs.rw

Episode 16 of the Made in Africa podcast, hosted by Celestin Ntawirema interviews Ingred Awuor, a Kenyan model coach, fashion designer, and fashion producer. Awuor, who runs the Nilotika fashion brand in Nairobi and organizes the annual Jazz Fashion Experience, shares insights on effective marketing for both established and startup fashion designers and African fashion show producers.

Awuor emphasizes the importance of fashion designers determining their business type and size to target the right audience. She stresses the value of honesty in business relationships, particularly between designers and clients. For emerging fashion designers, Awuor highlights business management skills as crucial for success.

Aspiring fashion show producers are advised to focus on securing suitable venues and well-trained models. Awuor also provides tips on effective communication and marketing strategies for Made in Africa brands.

The discussion extends to professional conduct when competing with business peers and within the community. Throughout the episode, Awuor's expertise offers valuable guidance for those navigating the African fashion industry, covering aspects from business planning and client relations to event production and industry etiquette.

Don't Miss our Weekly Episodes sponsored by Fashion Trends Africa of the RCFS, a fashion news website [www.rcfs.rw]

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Tribal Trends by Shiko Onyango is founded by Kenyan woman artist and fashion designer Shiko Onyango. She is also the Director of the Africa to the World Kenya. Shiko is a very unique and talented woman. A mother of two boys, is very creative and her mission is “ to take Africa to the world”

In episode 15, she talks about her journey to establish her company and current projects working with local artists and African designers. So far about 1000 people benefit from her company’s success story. Being part of regional initiatives such as Creative DNA and From Trash to Purpose enabled Shiko to integrate more sustainable products into the Tribal Trends and Africa to the World project.

Shiko also talks about sustainability and technology inside her brand the Tribal Trends as well as her favorite Kenyan and African dishes, and the cultural aspects and uniqueness of women from her 3 cultures.

Don’t miss our weekly episodes sponsored by Fashion Trends Africa, a news website - www.rcfs.rw.

CONTACT US: info@rcfs.rw

Made in Africa needs a voice from several important factors such as economic development: Promoting African-made products will help boost local economies, create jobs, and reduce dependency on imports.

Cultural preservation and pride: Showcasing African-made goods will help preserve traditional craftsmanship and instill a sense of cultural pride.

Countering stereotypes: Highlighting quality African products will challenge negative stereotypes about African manufacturing and innovation capabilities.

There is also Market access: Giving African products a stronger voice can help them gain visibility and access to both local and international markets.

In today’s episode, I would like to tell you, you who is listening and even you who will listen to this episode. First, can you help me answer these questions;

• Why do the Made in Africa podcast matters?
• Why do you, yourself matter to promote Made in Africa?
• What is the future of Made in Africa?

Thank you so much for listening, many episodes are on the way coming, please recommend your friend's episodes and together we promote Made in Africa. Our topics include fashion, beauty products, art, home goods, services and businesses, and more. We are showcasing the rich cultural heritage and innovation emerging from various African countries.

Don't miss our weekly episodes.