VINTAGE OR VIOLENCE

A soundscape of Kampala merged with Uganda's story of textiles, created by Ssozi Joseph of Gorilla Waves.

This piece was initially made for the VINTAGE OR VIOLENCE exhibition in Galiraaya Plaza. An updated version of it now closes the VINTAGE OR VIOLENCE podcast, and pulls from our previous episodes and Vox pops to paint a picture of Uganda's complex relationship for secondhand clothes.

This recap 'episode' is a trip down memory lane for our early listeners, or a delicious taste of what to enjoy for new ears!

Bobby Kolade and Samuel Oteng are both designers with a similar journey, on different ends of the continent. 

Located in Accra, Sammy changed his direction as a designer after witnessing heavy rains and the clothing waste in the puddles of Kantamanto market - realising that as a designer, all he was bound to produce was more waste. Bobby is a former luxury designer who was no longer satisfied with the beast he was feeding. 

In conversation, both of them share the stories that made them realise they could pivot, and make change using the resources around them for more contientious and sustainable creation. 

The Or's Website

The Or's Instagram

Sammy's Instagram

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’.

Ndara's Website

Ndara's Instagram

Ndara's Facebook

The global fast fashion market is projected to grow from $106.42 billion to $122.98 billion in 2023 alone. (source)

In conversation with Aja Barber, author of “Consumed”, this episode highlights the global and environmental cost of fast fashion; and hands power back to the consumer, away from the corporations.

Through the lens of Aja’s own journey - growing from being a fast fashion enthusiast to an international slow fashion spokesperson, we learn about the personal, emotional, and psychological reframing that is necessary to divest ourselves from a lust for ‘more’ in the world of textiles.

Book Full Title: Consumed: The Need for Collective Change: Colonialism, Climate Change, and Consumerism

Consumed on Amazon

Aja's Instagram

Aja's Twitter

Aja's Website

Aja's Patreon

Funded by HIVOS R.O.O.M East Africa, this episode is produced by Lesedi Oluko Moche & Nikissi Serumaga. Directed by Nikissi Serumaga. Written by Nikissi Serumaga & Lesedi Oluko Moche with co-writer Bobby Kolade. Project Manager Norman Westphal and sound engineering & design by Ssozi Joseph & Nikissi Serumga. Engage with us on Twitter, Instagram, and our website: www.vintageorviolence.com

We are back!

Following the success of our 6-part limited series, which traveled further than we expected, we are back with a follow-up series comprising four episodes. We move beyond Uganda and converse with people in the Central African Republic, Ghana, and London. Connecting the dots of the global impact of fast fashion and its effects on our identity and climate.

Over the next 4 episodes, we expand our relentless question-asking to people and organizations facing similar challenges on the African continent. Tune in once a month as we speak to Charlotte Mararv of Ndara Ti Beafrika, Samuel Oteng of the Or Foundation, and Aja Barber author of Consumed: The Need for Collective Change.

IT’S A WRAP - THANK YOU!

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.

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. Engage with us on Twitter, Instagram, and our website: www.theduuka.com/vintage-or-violence/

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.

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. Engage with us on Twitter, Instagram, and our website: www.theduuka.com/vintage-or-violence/

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.

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 Engage with us on Twitter, Instagram, and our website: www.theduuka.com/vintage-or-violence/

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.

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 Engage with us on Twitter, Instagram, and our website: www.theduuka.com/vintage-or-violence/