January 16 2013. Invited guests to the launch of the low cost TV services, GOtv flocked to Sunbird Mount Soche’s Njamba Room. Entering the four star event hall, patrons were greeted with a thatch enclosure into the main arena where the event would take place.
On entering the enclosure, two wood carvings on each side, miniature mud and thatch houses and traditionally decorated fabrics greeted the guests as they went around to appreciate the range of products offered by GOtv.
A month later, on February 13 2013, the South African songstress Zahara was performing at the Comesa Hall. On entering the hall, one could not help but appreciate the well-decorated hall. Artistic decoration that befitted the reigning Queen of African music.
But for Mwayi and Sheena Namaona, co-directors for Nzika Arts, these two events are not their greatness experience since they launched the brand 10 years ago.
“I still have fond memories of the Our People Our Pride event. It was a high profile event and to decorate the hall was a huge task. To accomplish it left us satisfied,” said Mwayi.
Our People Our Pride was an event awarding some MBC-TV heroes and it was attended by then president Bingu wa Mutharika and in performance were South African stars Yvonne Chakachaka and Ladysmith Black Mambazo.
For Sheena, one of the most memorable events is their November 5, 2011 wedding at the College of Medicine sports complex in Blantyre. Not only does she remember the decoration, but also their dress.
“Mwayi put on a suit from our designs. As we could not find good material for my dress, we bought a wedding dress. To suit the black and white colours for our wedding, we decorated it with guinea fowl feathers and beads. It was so local and great,” said Sheena.
Ten years since they launched their clothing line, Nzika Wear, they have grown from only producing traditional attire to decorating events such as engagements, weddings, music shows and even corporate functions.
Affirms Sheena: “In the past, people thought corporate events only had to do with Western decor. We have worked hard to change that mindset. We bring out decoration that fits the event. For instance, during the GOtv launch, we had to go it traditional, since MultiChoice were introducing a product that is perceived to be local people centred.”
One of the couple’s greatest assets is the combination of their professions. Mwayi is an artist who went through art training at Kungoni Cultural Centre while Sheena is a model who studied Business Administration at the Polytechnic. The two met in 2003 in Manja, Blantyre, where they were neighbours.
“Mwayi has the artistic ideas, while I concentrate on the administration side. We have six tailors and two office clerks and at times we have to hire or subcontract people to help decorate big events,” Sheena observed.
Art, she says, is not just for the eye. When art is produced, it must have monetary value for those who appreciate it.
Eyes rolling, Mwayi believes it is Sheena who gives first impressions about his works and his inspiration. The two have a four-month old baby, Mia Alinafe.
Having participated in various arts and fashion events in various countries, including India, Scotland, Canada, Zambia and Kenya, the two eye for their share on the international scene. It appears the bait is biting and the future is promising.
“Our Facebook page and website are mostly hit by people who are not in Malawi. Someone is interested to open our merchandise shop in the USA but with the hard economic times and rising shipping costs, we are crossing our fingers that it will pull out soon,” said Sheena.
It is their dream to get to Italy, France and other European markets, as Mwayi puts it. Apart from that, it is their dream to open a Nzika Arts Centre, which will include an art gallery, a clothing and coffee shop. Currently, they have a shop near the church where their wedding was officiated, St Pius Catholic Church in Blantyre.
Apart from harsh economic times, copycats are another let down. With the growth of the brand, some copy it and produce their own attire, while others just copy the designs.
“We try as much as we can to be different. We are planning to have a Nzika Arts Fashion Show and in the future, we will be having two seasons a year to showcase our designs,” said Mwayi, advising artists to manage their art for growth.
