BEHIND HIS CLOTHING BRAND
Fashion in Africa has always been more than fabric, more than threads, and far more than trends. Across centuries, clothing has served as an expression of identity, dignity, and resistance. During colonial rule, Africans strategically used dress as a tool to protect culture, assert pride, and push back against oppression. Today, African fashion continues this legacy not just as style, but as an active declaration of cultural preservation, confidence, and artistic defiance.
In the modern era of East African fashion, one name has rapidly risen to the surface, redefining what it means to create with purpose: Erick Ezekielsen, the founder and CEO of Kakinovae, one of the region’s most vibrant and innovative Afrocentric fashion brands. Frequently featured in FashionKraft events across East Africa and beyond, Kakinovae has grown into a signature label characterized by bold creativity, cultural authenticity, and an unmistakable artistic voice.
From Dar es Salaam to the global stage, Erick is carving out a new era of African fashion, one rooted in heritage yet fearless in innovation.
THE MAN BEHIND THE VISION
Dar es Salaam Tanzania’s bustling coastal city and artistic heartbeat serves as the home of Erick and the headquarters of Kakinovae. Surrounded by its fusion of old and new, tradition and modernity, Erick developed a vision to create not just clothing, but a language of elegance. A language that transcends time, culture, and class.
He describes his creative mission as an effort to unite “different eras, world cultures, and social classes through the power of fashion.” His designs draw from:
- Africa’s rich cultural landscape
- Deep ancestral roots and traditions
- Nature and the wilderness
- Global artistic expressions
- The everyday stories of ordinary and marginalized communities
The balance he achieves between heritage and modernity, between nobility and the working class gives Kakinovae its unmistakable identity. His goal is clear: to create clothes that speak for Africa, clothes that carry history yet move with the rhythm of the future.
THE AFRICAN FASHION IDENTITY: REBELLION, PRIDE, AND PURITY
Erick strongly believes that Africa’s greatest strength lies in its refusal to dissolve into mainstream fashion. While global fashion industries often push assimilation and trend uniformity, African fashion thrives on staying distinct, rooted, and unapologetically authentic.
He argues that Africa’s uniqueness comes from its ability to hold tightly to its roots its languages, symbols, patterns, and stories. And yet, there is another strength: its own innovators, those who merge tradition with global modern style, creating something entirely new and exciting.
He sees both as essential:
- Designers who preserve heritage in its purest traditional form
- Designers who innovate, remix, and reimagine African stories for the modern world
His ambition?
To lead this movement.
To stand tall as a creative voice representing Africa on the global stage boldly, confidently, and consistently.
THE BIRTH OF KAKINOVAE: A BRAND WITH A MISSION
Kakinovae is not just a fashion label; it is a cultural message. Erick designed the brand to:
- celebrate natural beauty,
- embrace uniqueness,
- uplift underrepresented voices, and
- promote inclusion across class, gender, and social background.
The brand’s motto is simple yet powerful:
“Dare to be different. Dare to be you.”
Every Kakinovae piece embodies affordability, durability, innovation, and eco-friendliness. Erick sees fashion as an opportunity not only to dress the body but to shape identity, pride, and confidence. Through his clothing, he encourages people to express their individuality, break the mold, and embrace what makes them special.
He believes fashion should reflect the wearer’s inner story, a blend of elegance, character, and the untamed spirit that lives within all of us. Kakinovae’s designs, therefore, are made to not only look beautiful but to make the wearer stand tall.
DESIGN PHILOSOPHY: A BALANCE OF ELEGANCE AND WILDNESS
What sets Kakinovae apart is the brand’s ability to merge timeless elegance with the raw spirit of Africa. Erick’s approach involves studying:
- historical African dress codes,
- symbols and motifs from different tribes,
- organic shapes from wildlife and nature,
- the rugged textures of the land,
- and the energy of Tanzanian street culture.
From these elements, he creates fashion that feels both grounded and elevated.
His collections often explore:
- bold earth tones inspired by Tanzanian soil and landscapes
- fluid silhouettes inspired by wildlife movement
- intricate patterns referencing tribal artwork
- minimal yet powerful cuts that flatter all body types
- eco-conscious materials supporting sustainability
The result is clothing that feels culturally connected yet modern, luxurious yet accessible.
THE RISE OF EAST AFRICAN FASHION AND KAKINOVAE’S ROLE
In recent years, East Africa, especially Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda has experienced a creative renaissance. FashionKraft, one of the biggest fashion platforms in the region, has played a significant role, providing designers like Erick a massive stage to shine.
Kakinovae has been featured repeatedly across FashionKraft’s high-profile shows, gaining admiration for its storytelling, innovation, and commitment to African identity. This exposure has helped the brand grow beyond Tanzania’s borders, attracting attention from regional and global audiences.
Fashion journalists and industry watchers now refer to Erick as:
- “one of Tanzania’s next-generation fashion leaders,”
- “a cultural communicator,”
- and “a designer who understands Africa’s future.”
His consistent presence in shows, editorials, magazines, and exhibitions has made Kakinovae a must-watch brand.
THE BRAND’S COMMITMENT TO SUSTAINABILITY AND ETHICS
In a world where fast fashion dominates, Erick is determined to follow a different path—one rooted in sustainability and ethical production. His eco-friendly approach includes:
- minimizing waste
- using local materials whenever possible
- supporting local artisans
- embracing recycled and natural fabrics
- fair labor practices
- promoting environmental consciousness in all fashion shows
He believes fashion should uplift, not exploit.
Create, not destroy.
Inspire, not undermine.
This commitment also aligns with Tanzania’s growing sustainability movement, where young designers and entrepreneurs are advocating for responsible creativity.
EXPERIENCE THE MAGIC: KAKINOVAE FASHION SHOWS
One of the most exciting aspects of the brand is its immersive and breathtaking fashion shows hosted throughout the year. These shows are not simple runway presentations they are full creative experiences that merge:
- music
- lighting
- cultural dance
- storytelling
- environmental artistry
- and innovative stage design
Dar es Salaam, Arusha, Mwanza, Dodoma, Zanzibar, and other cities have witnessed Kakinovae’s visually stunning performances, which often reflect themes inspired by:
- African royalty
- the Serengeti
- unity and identity
- nature and wilderness
- modern Afro-urban living
These events not only showcase clothing but bring the audience emotionally into Kakinovae’s world.
JOIN THE MOVEMENT: KAKINOVAE’S FASHION COMMUNITY
Beyond clothing and shows, Kakinovae is building a community of fashion lovers, artists, models, and cultural enthusiasts. The brand invites everyone to join a creative movement that embraces natural beauty, tells African stories, and celebrates diverse talent.
Supporters can subscribe to the brand’s newsletter for:
- Uzuriasilia – a celebration of African natural beauty
- AfroGel – Afrocentric style inspirations
- FireGel – bold, fierce, and powerful looks
- Da’Fashion Island – an artistic fashion editorial platform
These publications and platforms offer behind-the-scenes insights, upcoming event announcements, photoshoots, new releases, and creative features.
CONCLUSION: A BRAND THAT TELLS AFRICA’S STORY
Erick Ezekielsen is more than a designer; he is a storyteller, a cultural ambassador, and a visionary who believes in the transformative power of fashion. Through Kakinovae, he is rewriting the narrative of African fashion by proving that creativity rooted in heritage can stand proudly on any global stage.
His work embodies:
- pride,
- identity,
- craftsmanship,
- innovation,
- and the resilience of African culture.
Every Kakinovae piece invites the wearer to celebrate who they are. To embrace their roots. To be bold, different, and unapologetically authentic.
Africa’s fashion story continues to evolve and Erick Ezekielsen is determined to ensure that Kakinovae remains one of the leading voices shaping that future.
Whether you are a fashion enthusiast, model, stylist, or lover of African culture, this is your invitation to join the journey one stitch, one show, and one powerful story at a time.
