Kayobi @ STREETFEST FESTIVAL 2010

We had a wonderful time at the streetfest festival there was art, painting graffiti, music, skating fashion and off course KAYOBI this was our first big UK showcase and by the Grace of God it was a resounding success.
Check out some of the pictures below and UK hiphop legend TY plugging Kayobi - the vent was filmed by my man Kwame from Blakkdon Films and would be uploaded soon.


All the new shirts from the event are now available online: www.kayobi.bigcartel.com

2010 KAYOBI UPDATES

2010 KAYOBI UPDATES - Please click on Picture below


Whats good people - I just thought i would give you an update on what we have been up to:

Ivory Coast International and Arsenal footballer Emmanuel Eboué supports the KAYOBI Movement

Make EBA not WAR Shirt will be available(limited quantities) and posted out from the 20th of FEB - buy yours here:http://kayobi.bigcartel.com/product/make-eba-not-war-pre-order

New Canvas art online here:http://kayobi.bigcartel.com/

We are taking orders for Ghana and Africa please contact kwabena on: 0233244889225/kwabenab@hotmail.com (customization(choosing colours) available)

Check out the pictures of the updates and Eboue here:http://ghanahype.blogspot.com/


Thanks and holla if you need a discount :)
Stay Blessed Kwabena Boateng


New Art: Available here
New website:here

Kraft owns Cadburys now - So what's next for GHANA

You might have heard by now that Cadburys - probably the biggest purchaser and 'publicist' of Ghana and its Cocoa has been bought by American Company Kraft. As usual the Ghanaian government is still probably sleeping and has not thought about the implications this will have on one of Ghana's main foreign exchange earners( 6 percent of GDP and 30 percent of export revenue) and the relationship cocoa farmers have with the English ...errrr I mean American Company.

Cadburys as of 2009 had been trading with Ghana's cocoa farms for a 100 years (since 1908), as the main ingredient of their famous dairy milk is full of the goodness from Ghana with at least 20 percent cocoa powder per chocolate bar. Will Kraft reduce the content of cocoa powder to 10 percent which is acceptable under American rules for making chocolate?

To celebrate the hundred years of trade cadburys set up a Cocoa Partnership for Cocoa growing communities, mostly in the Eastern, Ashanti and Brong-Ahafo, have been lined up for Cadbury’s 10-year investment package designed to secure the economic, social and environmental sustainability of cocoa farmers and the communities in which they live and work.
How will the sale affect this partnership and the planned 30 million pound investment which is chicken feed when compared to the 30 BILLION Kraft paid for Cadbury.

"In Ghana, there is a phrase 'Coco obatanpa', which means 'Cocoa is a good parent. It looks after you'," said James Boateng, MD of Cadbury Ghana, in a statement. - What kind of parent will Kraft be to Ghana and its farmers?

I wonder if the government of Ghana even owns a single share in Cadburys - we all know Cadburys share holders will be smiling all the way to the banks today - but after a 100 years did any of our governments see it fit to invest in one of the limbs that feed it (i seriously doubt this) and once again our destiny is in the hands of someone else.

In 2009 Ghana and Ghanaian musician Tinny became the POSTER boy of Cadburys Fair trade dairy milk UK launch - as evident in the video below:


I commend cardury for promoting Ghana on an international scale (something our current government failed to do even with OBAMA forcing the world to literally watch Ghana) from music videos to itunes to prime time UK tv to massive billboards around the UK and of course the name Ghana features on all the wrapping of their fair trade bars.

The only thing I would have liked is if a few Ghanaians were involved in the the actual production of the videos and fair trade campaign. On closer inspection of the advertising and production credits of the campaign there are no Ghanaian names not even the main act Tinny is credited on the musical production - I guess they (Ghanaians) were all hired hands - contrary to the impression the cadurys site gives - click here
Once again there has been no transfer of knowledge and the foreign currency does not stay in AFRICA.

There is even a blog dedicated to Ghana - Click Here

I am not being ungrateful but music videos and blogs are lovely things but won't it have been better to take the opportunity to pass on some knowledge onto some creatives ie advertising student etc whilst the production team was in Ghana. After a 100 years cadburys does not have a chocolate production factory in Ghana. The cocoa is still shipped in its raw (unprocessed) and cheaper sate -

I am not blaming cadburys but there is even a lesser chance that Kraft will set up a plant in Ghana - In fact according to human rights activist craig murray (click here for full article) they might even do worse:

''What Cadbury’s use in the UK is from independent Ghanaian smallholders, and is the equivalent of wines from an ancient small chateau or boutique Californian estate. They pay extra for it, and their willingness to pay extra has been a key part of keeping the Ghanaian small farmer going.

Kraft on the other hand use the mass produced estate cocoa; the equivalent of soulless and tasteless wine from multiple fields and huge stainless steel tanks. They source mostly in Brazil – the World’s most tasteless cocoa – and Ivory Coast. The bad taste in the mouth from the cocoa is both real and metaphorical. The estates in both countries make massive use of child labour.

I have no doubt that in order to rack up the return on their vast investment, Kraft will switch to the cheap and nasty cocoa they normally use. This could be the worst thing to hit the Ghanaian rural economy since blackpod disease.''



I hope for the best outcome with this situation - by the time the Ghanaian government wake up and protect the famers and the interests of the nation it will be a done deal. I guess they are too busy thinking of the Black Gold (oil) Ghana will start producing this year - wow we mismanaged Gold Cocoa and probably oil - WAKE UP AFRICA


on a lighter note whilst trawling cadburys fair trade blog



I noticed they had a picture of one of my t -shirts on a chap in the midst of two Ghanaian STARS SWAY and TINNY - who ever can tell me which t shirt he is wearing I will send you the exact same shirt: email answers to info@kayobiclothing.com


Peace and STAY BLESSED

Adidas apologizes for misrepresenting KENTE, GHANA and AFRICA

This is a follow up from my previous posts about Adidas stealing from Africa :Click here to read how adidas stole fron Ghana
It pays to speak up - people of africa please patent, copy right and protect your heritage.

Dear Mr Kwabena,

Thank you for contacting adidas regarding the Jeremy Scott, Originals by Originals shoe Nizza 2 Hi; and for correcting us on the incorrectly referenced Kente cloth. We regrettably made an error in the copywriting process when describing this shoe. I can assure you that this was not meant to be disrespectful in any way, but a simple human error when creating copy which would be used to describe the shoe.

We have begun to correct this where we can - ie adidas.com/originals, Press Materials etc.

We have also contacted all of the communications and PR managers in our local markets to advise them of the change and act accordingly. Any future stories from adidas should correctly reference the Kente cloth which inspired the design.

We're very proud to work with external design partner Jeremy Scott and also to be able to reference and be inspired by materials, designs and styles from around the world and we're also reverential in crediting the origin of the design correctly.

In this instance, Jeremy Scott sent us the design with the correct name, but in our process of writing the description a typo was made. We have now tried to correct this mistake.

Thank you again for calling this to our attention.

Kind regards,

Tom Ramsden
Senior Communications Manager - adidas Originals

Unlike Adidas Puma acknowledges Africa and Ghana's Kente as inspiration

Adidas Please watch and learn - PUMA shoes you how its done even though their design is not as obvious they still had the decency of letting the world know who's intellectual property was the inspiration for their shoe. You guys simply copied and pasted and still decided to re write African culture and History.

Puma goes wild by way of Africa with this Pack of Clydes that takes you on venture through the Serengeti. Available in black or jungle green, each shoe features a woven geometric strip along the eyelets inspired by traditional Ghanaian Kente silk fabrics. The scuffed mid and outsole gives a rugged wild look.

PLEASE REFER TO MY LAST TWO POST ON ADIDAS - THANKS

How Adidas Stole from AFRICA

If Adidas wants to borrow inspiration from AFRICA then they should pay up or Give Credit Where due - This is my letter to adidas with regards to the misspelling of the word 'KENTE' and lack of ascribing the origin of the cloth use in their African Inspired 'KENTA" Nizza 2 Hi sneakers


Hi i noted that for a while now Adidas has been doing the materials of the world special edition shoes and clothing. I think this is lovely and commend adidas for this.
As an African Designer I was also extremely excited by the release of Jeremey Scotts Africa Themed apparel. I was excited when i saw the African Inspired Nizza 2 Hi sneakers however i was saddened by the wrong description of the material used. The Adidas description stated that it was a unique 'kenta' cloth. Unfortunately Adidas has got it all wrong the cloth used on the shoe in question is actually the 'kente' cloth and not the 'kenta' cloth as has been published in all materials pertaining to the shoes.

This lack of respect for the name and history of Ghana's national cloth shows how little research and consideration was taking in fashioning or mimicking this shoe as an authentic African product.

Kente is the trendiest and most renowned cloth in Ghana and possibly in all of Africa. The strip-woven cloth made by the Akan people of Ghana and the Ewe people of Ghana and Togo, is the best known of all African textiles. Its fame has spread globally where it is now one of the most admired of all fabrics in many parts of the world.

Africa as it is a misunderstood, over exploited and misrepresented continent - If conglomerates like adidas wish to take inspiration from African art and textiles for their products the least you could do was provide an accurate historical description of the 'borrowed' design.

The country of origin of the kente design was not published.
Kente has been woven for centuries on looms by skilled artisans in Ghana and Togo - these designs are the daily bread of these Africans and the intellectual property of these artists and Nations as a whole.

I am certain Adidas will not be happy if a small shoe and clothing factory in Ghana decided to utilise the Trefoil logo and the 3 - Stripes mark on their make shift line.

So why is it that the culture and intellectual property of whole nations can be misrepresented by such a big company without and regard for the originators of the design.

I would appreciate it if the name of the shoe could be corrected and the design origins of the material could be rightfully ascribed to its originators. I am sure this is either a typographical mistake or just a slight oversight as a company with such a rich history will not intentionally misrepresent the whole continent of AFRICA.
thanks for your attention
P.S No AFricans were plagiarized in the making of this letter.
Kwabena Boateng


Please spread the word and post this on your blogs, diggs, twitter facebook etc
If africans dont speak out on injustices on or image and brand wewill wake up one day and the copy right of the word AFRICA
will be owned by a multi national in the WEST.

Catch Kayobi at UCL on the 30 Oct

As part of our celebration of Black History month, The UCL ACS will hold a 1 day exhibition.

Kayobi will be there - Come and vibe with us. I will have some shirts, bags, ipod covers and art on sale. If you have a specific shirt you want then please email me the details and i will print it just for this event. If you have a particular design you want on a canvas please send me details.

It will me nice to meet you guys so dont loose out on fashion food art and history - from UK's finest artists and disigners.

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=142695543573

Black History Month Exhibition
Name: Soul Source
Venue: UCL North and South cloisters
Date: Friday 30th of October

P.s we are taking pre orders for make fufu not war tshirts for ladies and hoodies for men. This will be our las batch for the year so please email me your sizes. boateng.kwabena@gmail.com
Thanks

Kayobi at University of Hertfordshire ACS launch

Had a wonderful time at the launch of the ACS at University of Hertfordshire - Good Blessings to all the young Black peeps I met May your dreams come true. Check ou the pics and let me know what you think.
Check it out
and join the Family on facebook - Kayobi Clothing

Respect The Hustle ~ Kayobi Clothing Interview

Please check out the first online interview for my clothing line Kayobi Clothing and leave a comment. Thanks
The shirts and items are available here:http://kayobi.bigcartel.com/

Respect The Hustle ~ Kayobi

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KAyobi Clothing Facebook Page

Please Join the KAyobi Family here

Kayobi Clothing on Facebook

Presenter, Comedian, Actor - Eddie Kadi rocking the Classic Make Fufu Not War Tee

Presenter, Comedian, Actor - Eddie Kadi rocking the Classic Make Fufu Not War Tee
Watch him now - thank me later - p,s his show was sold out tonignt

Kayobi Clothing 2009 Summer Update

Who is Kayobi Clothing

Who is Kayobi?
Kayobi - pronounced (K – OW – B) is an apparel and accessories company created to ¬ tell the African story and that of the Diaspora through positive, vibrant and thought provoking imagery.
What’s in a name?
The word ‘Kayobi’ translates from Japanese as ‘Tuesday’, this is in reference to my name Kwabena Oppong Boateng. Kwabena is the Twi name given to a child born on a Tuesday in the Akan Tribes of Ghana, coincidentally ‘Kayobi’ sounded phonetically similar to my initials ‘KOB’. Why a Japanese word? I have always had a love for the Japanese design and art aesthetic ‘kayobi’ therefore was the perfect play on words.

Our Story.
Founded in Accra Ghana on 08/08/08 the collection has evolved from a T- Shirt line to include bags and ipod cases. Now designed and produced in London we are happy to present our first collection entitled ‘its always summer in Africa’. The collection was created during my year and a half stay in Ghana and aims to capture the true essence of AFRICA.
The theme refers to the gift of eternal sunshine the continent is blessed with. Contrary to the imposed label of ‘dark continent’ stamped on Africa, the continent is actually bursting with light, life, beauty and most importantly HOPE.
With an abundance of colour we have created a visual journey through daily African life ranging from childhood nostalgia, socio – political issues, music, culture, traditional art and food.
Kayobi was created in Africa with 100% Sunshine, Love and Blessings and we hope our collection gives you this in abundance.
Thanks for being a part of the Revolution. Stay Blessed and Seek Eternity.
Kwabena Oppong Boateng

View the collection here:
http://issuu.com/kayobi/docs/kayobi_clothing_look_book_final

Buy Kayobi Online:
http://www.kayobi.bigcartel.com/

Kayobi Clothing 2009 Summer Look book

Hope you enjoy - regular blogging will resume very soon.thanks

Beyoncé Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It) AFRICAN REMIX!!!

Another one to make u laugh

Kayobi Clothing - First Radio interview

Hi folks. Guess what? lol I got my first radio interview with Ms naa on Ghana's new Urban Youth radio staion on Monday 23rd of March 2009 from 9 am onwards.
I will be giving away free shirts and bags during the show so dont miss out . PEACE



http://yfmghana.com/

Here is a profile of Ms Naa and here show is on every week day from 6 am until 10 am
Check out here Clothing line here:http://www.afrocenchic.com/shop/
Name: Naa Adzorkor Addo

Date of birth: July 11th

Religion: Spiritual Being

Interest: Mind my business and leaving yours alone, music, making money finding peace.

Food: I will spend my last money on sushi…….matter of fact I am looking for a sushi chef to marry …. (Call me :)



Favorite Quote: YOU CAN KICK ROCKS!!!!!

What best describes my character: Definitions don’t work for me…….so let’s just say I fit under the category ‘’miscellaneous’ ‘in a world where classification is key ,I’m just me…

Paraphrased from: STACEYANA CHIN.

Ms. Naa formally known as Triple S, The Super Soul Sister is……some say a sweetheart, others say nothing and simply shake their heads…..She chooses to define herself as creative energy, a loose cannon, the girl your parents’ use as a bad example of a lady, a rebel in every sense of the word, somewhat of a loner but sure to make you feel welcomed when in her presence if you don’t rub her the wrong way. The New York University Film and Television graduate, with a passion for film editing is not a novice to the radio game. She had her radio debut in 97’ and worked as an on air personality until she left to further her education.

Now back on the block, she is more than conquering the radio world on her to-do list. Very rarely at a loss for words, she is sure to have you either deep in thought or clutching at your sides with laughter as she wakes up each and every weekday morning on YFM.

Make sure you tune in ‘cos it is guaranteed to be an EXPERIENCE

Ghana at the Movies

Its always nice when u see an African in a major blockbuster or something African - I was watching a movie the other day which stared Wesley Snipes 'THE ART OF WAR 2: BETRAYAL' and came across these remixed ADINKRA symbols.How come we as Ghanaians hardly incorporate such images into our movies.

here is the synopsis of the movie. http://www.kungfucinema.com/wesley-snipes-art-of-war-2-on-dvd-2686

Mutombo the POET - rocking the FAMOUS make FUFU not WAR T- SHIRT

Mutombo is a multi-talented artiste who is specialized in Spoken Word(Poetry).He has blessed several stages since he started this beautiful art form in Ghana,West Africa

The Rise of the Ghannian Metro - Sexual

Wow - CHANGE the word of Last year this Year and the Year to come - Well in Ghana the men have really changed. A couple of years ago a drive through the principle streets of Accra would no doubt have left you thinking you were in a rap video of the must thugish rugish rapper but no this is AFRICA specifically the capital of Ghana. So whats my point? Well for a long time the fashion sense of the Ghanaian male was grossly informed but the black american rapper and the clothes, jewellrey and shoes that made apperances in their videos.


OhHHHH how times have changed I got the shock of my life when i moved to Ghana an noted with curiosity that there has been an ''all change'' as professed on the london tube. Baggy pants (or jeans if you may) are out and tight scrotum hugging skinny jeans are in
Bling,Gold and Diamonds are out and rosary's,wooden and plastic African beads are in
The basket ball jersey and fitted hat have been replaced with the fedora and button up, and mind you not any button up will do - criteria 1 it must be tight 2 if possible it must have a profound colour and the ultimate - if possible it must be a UK designer,,,,,,,,,,, hmmmmmm did you just say UK yep I did UK as in LONDON TOWN yep

Yeah i know you must be saying is this the same Ghana you know, the same Ghana in which a couple of years ago anyone with the streamlined UK look was categorized as GAY CHICHI ANTIMAN etc etc - YEP as i said this is the year for Change.

No more nike airforce 1's, now its strictly plimsoles or converses and it u really have the largent why dont u throw in some prada or gucci.

From the surface it may seem like the Ghanaian metrosexual has arrived and this movement my be spearheaded by chaps such us Kweku T or Chris Attoh but in reality I think the country is just going though another phase of mimicking and aping what they see in videos the only difference is that Lil Wayne has exchanged his xxxxxxxllll White T - Shirt for a nicely fitted Stussy t and his supper baggy rocawear jeans for skinny fit true religion jeans and so my brothers with the HERD mentality follow blindly.

I applaud people like Kweku t for introducing African jewelery for men into the scene however I am of the impression that are youth are so blinded by the lights that they have stifled their inner creativity and ability to st trends that are indigenous to their environment rather than to simply Follow the ''leader'' .

Lead DONT follow - Kayobi clothing and numerous other African clothing lines say so

check us out here - http://www.facebook.com/photo_search.php?oid=32353927508&view=all

GH Rapper Mensa rocking make fufu t - shirt in video

Check out GH rapper and producer extraordinaire rocking the kayobi clothing make fufu not war T - Shirt in a studio session. Check out his music here
http://www.facebook.com/groups.php?ref=sb#/group.php?sid=1e34fd39709f2c09db860a3dff01390b&gid=4849324676

Buy your shirt here
http://www.facebook.com/groups.php?ref=sb#/group.php?gid=32353927508