On the 29th of October 2023, Rawlings Park in Accra witnessed the gathering of more than a thousand individuals hailing from diverse backgrounds. They gathered for the second edition of the Obroni Wawu festival, which was themed "The Adeɛyie Resurrection." The Adeɛyie translates "to make better".. This event attracted fashion aficionados and influential figures from various corners of the nation and beyond. Their purpose? To celebrate Kantamanto Market for its pivotal role in the recycling, repair, upcycling, and remanufacturing of pre-owned garments, fostering global sustainability and circularity.
The event was orchestrated by the Or Foundation and Kantamanto Market Community, who declared this year's festivities as a summons to all fashion enthusiasts, and even those who have ever donned 'foose,' to reconnect with Ghana's heritage of preserving clothing, all while extolling the significance of Kantamanto Market to the people of Ghana and the broader global circular fashion movement.
Dignitaries from Ghana, Chile, Uganda, Kenya, France, USA, Nigeria, South Africa, and the UK, assembled on the first day of the two-day gala to partake in a symposium titled the "Circle Talk." This forum engaged in thought-provoking discussions regarding secondhand fashion, the prospective prosperity of the Kantamanto community, and its relevance within Ghana's fashion culture.
The highlight of this year's gathering occurred on the second day, as festival attendees were treated to a spectacular fashion show, shedding light on the talents embedded within the Kanta community. This extravaganza featured a series of events, including musical performances, adeɛyie demonstrations, pop-up retail outlets, a spirited drip contest, and a runway exhibition showcasing upcycled creations and chic ensembles crafted by five emerging designers hailing from the Obroni Wawu October (OWO) school.
Neal Davids, a representative from the OWO school and personal stylist to Nana Ama McBrown, conveyed the immense significance of the event. He emphasized the role that used clothing and Kantamanto have played in the socio-economic fabric of the nation. "Foose and the ethos of recycling and refurbishing have become an indispensable facet of African Fashion. Events such as these are instrumental in empowering burgeoning designers and bestowing a well-deserved spotlight upon the creative industry in Ghana. There is no reason why their craftsmanship cannot shine on the global stage when the opportune moment arrives. During my nascent days as a stylist, I fervently wished for an event of this caliber."
Sammy Oteng, the lead organizer of the event, urged all stakeholders and policymakers in the fashion industry to unite in acknowledging Kantamanto's rightful place within Ghana's fashion landscape. He articulated, "Our primary objective is to center our focus on the Kantamanto Community. This event, unprecedented in Ghana and Africa, exemplifies the surge in urban thrift and upcycling culture. We firmly believe that gatherings like these will not only exalt Kantamanto and Ghana for their innovative entrepreneurial pathways within the industry but also cement their status as a pioneering global hub for circular fashion."
The entire event, glorious in its success, drew a substantial crowd, garnered remarkable patronage, and left behind a palpable sense of eager anticipation for the next installment. As festival-goers continue to share their enthusiastic reviews under the #ObroniWawuOctober hashtag on social media, Obroni Wawu October has undeniably entrenched itself as an annual highlight in Ghana's cultural calendar. Key partners for Obroni Wawu October (OWO 2023) included The Or Foundation, Kantamanto Used Clothing Association, Debonair Afrik, Palm Moments, Ghana Food Movement, Mabilgu Foods, Suya Republik, and the She Guards, with generous support from 3Music.tv, TV3, The Multimedia Group, and Yfm.
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