HARARE, ZIMBABWE — Kitenge, dashiki, batik or khanga – these are just a few of the popular styles of African fabrics that are as symbolic as they are diverse in design, color and texture. Some materials are waxy with a glossy finish, others are cotton and soft to the touch.
Each fabric represents the artistic expression of a culture. And today, they are a part of a growing style trend in Zimbabwe. The fabrics are well-made, with durable materials, and many say the prints are a way for Africans to express themselves through fashion.
“I get to look like a real African lady,” says Ellen Musvaire, as she shows off her own dress and the matching dress of her 3-year-old daughter, Nokutenda Kaylie Magaya. Both outfits were sewn using African fabric.
The materials are made in Tanzania, Zambia, Nigeria, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ghana and other countries within and outside Africa.
“African wear [represents] a decent African person and shows that you love your country and continent,” Musvaire says.
Charity Chakuwana creates and sells African wear clothing and fabrics.
“We import African fabric from Tanzania, Ghana, Nigeria and Zambia. We make dresses, skirts and baby clothes from African printed material,” she says.
Chakuwana adds that some of the prints – for example, pots, drums and animals – symbolize African culture.
“I sell 6 yards [5.5 meters] of the material from $10 to $35, depending on which country they are coming from and the quality,” she says. “The fabric from the Democratic Republic of Congo is expensive, and fabric from Southern Africa is cheaper.”
Designer Noreen Chenesai Mukora-Mangoma is inspired by African prints.
“African print is vibrant and celebrates the African woman and man; it represents what we are as Africans,” she says.
Visit the Designers
Noreen Chenesai Mukora-Mangoma can be reached on her Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/Chenesaibrand/ or at +263 718952852
Jista Print is on 61 Prices Road in Mount Pleasant, Harare. The company can be contacted at +263 71 263 8166
Linda Mujuru, GPJ, translated some interviews from Shona.
