People ask questions like who is Terrie Gunz, what is the Harare Hustler movement, where can we get the T Shirts?
Well we caught up with the business man/ entrepreneur and brains behind the clothing label for this exclusive interview
Harare hustler streetwear, brainchild of a 39 year old Zimbabwean born apparel/graphics designer Terrie 'Gunz' Mahati first saw the light of the day commercially early 2008 in London, United Kingdom. Because of his street smart book smart money making business ventures he got nicknamed Harare Hustler. With global success, the business man is set to come back and stay in Zimbabwe after 10 years of living abroad.
Godwin
So how did you come up with the name Harare Hustler and what does it really mean?
Terrie Gunz
'All my friends were calling me Harare hustler and i decided one day to design and print a t-shirt written Harare hustler to a party and orders started coming through so that's how the brand was born!'..i had been popular for my other big label Kunta Kinte conscious clothing which i started in 1995 but HH is def for my people , the zim hip crowd,who like to have that street swagger but represent their hood. The tees were also worn by the usa group Jagged edge last year at their United Kingdom gig and are a favourite to a lot of west African and jamaican peops also..etc..
Godwin
Yo! That is major. So whats the future looking like for the label and movement
Terrie Gunz
This year i am bringing out the 2010 collection comprising of cotton track jackets with loud graphics,also heavyweight t-shirts with distinctive appliques and prints.The most popular design of last year was the 'crown wings' logo design which was bootlegged in South Africa,but our solicitors stopped it before it escalated.This design was made popular by Zim rapper Carlprit on his live perfomance on uk GMTV with the pop group Cascada.
Godwin
What is your vision 5/10 years from now?
Terrie Gunz
I would want to expand my clothing labels and go into childrens wear,footwear,sportswear etc..i also want to open a chain of clothing shops in southerrn africa and cater to my people.As creative africans we are tired of supporting labels like Sean John,Ecko,Coogi,Fubu etc..its time we support and wear our own.I am currently assisting my cousin with his clothing label Zimstylez which is also picking momentum out here.
Godwin
People been asking, the streets wanna know, who is Terry Gunz?
Terrie Gunz
Born Tererai Avalon Mahati, I am a son of a hardworking mum who was a lingerie designer in the early 90's..Currently based in London, I m going to come back to Zimbabwe to open up a shop that will sell zim labels only like Kunta kinte conscious clothing, Harare hustler,top kosso and zimstylez.
Godwin
What other projects and business ventures are you working on besides clothing?
Terrie Gunz
I am currently working on a Harare hustler mixtape, that will definately put the label on a different street level nah mean. I am also trying to put zim's upcoming musicians on the map. The cd is being produced by Dj Dikkenz Gaggunz of Star Time Supasoundz..AND FEATURES 34 OF ZIM'S TOP EMCEES from carlprit, metaphysics, vizzy,doom e right, jus lyphe, black bird , 25tolyf,simple dread, dubbie benz, maccix flow etc..
Godwin
Do you rap or you just a big hip hop fan
Terrie Gunz
Yes, actually I am one of the first Zimbabwean hiphop artists who got in the game late 80's and appeared in The Source magazine [usa] and hiphop connection[uk].
Godwin
What Influences or Inspire your designs man?
Terrie Gunz
My clothing designs are influenced by hiphop culture i.e. the baggy cuts and bold 'in your face' graphics.
Godwin
Why did you choose the name Kunta Kinte? what does it mean or represent?
Terrie Gunz
I was deeply moved by the film ROOTS when it came out in the 70's..it opened my eyes to slavery and made me aware of the cruel world at any early age..so i chose the name of the iconic character KUNTA KINTE as my clothing brand name..It is also a name every black person can relate to in general.
Godwin
Anything else the streets need to know bout you?
Terrie Gunz
I am working hard on the designs to bring out good quality threads,intricate and creative designs to my Zim peoples, so look out for my t-shirts'..you can all contact me on 00 44 7701047535 or terriegunz@yahoo.co.uk.
You can download Part One/ Volume Harare Hustler Mixtape HERE
Well we caught up with the business man/ entrepreneur and brains behind the clothing label for this exclusive interview
Harare hustler streetwear, brainchild of a 39 year old Zimbabwean born apparel/graphics designer Terrie 'Gunz' Mahati first saw the light of the day commercially early 2008 in London, United Kingdom. Because of his street smart book smart money making business ventures he got nicknamed Harare Hustler. With global success, the business man is set to come back and stay in Zimbabwe after 10 years of living abroad.
Godwin
So how did you come up with the name Harare Hustler and what does it really mean?
Terrie Gunz
'All my friends were calling me Harare hustler and i decided one day to design and print a t-shirt written Harare hustler to a party and orders started coming through so that's how the brand was born!'..i had been popular for my other big label Kunta Kinte conscious clothing which i started in 1995 but HH is def for my people , the zim hip crowd,who like to have that street swagger but represent their hood. The tees were also worn by the usa group Jagged edge last year at their United Kingdom gig and are a favourite to a lot of west African and jamaican peops also..etc..
Godwin
Yo! That is major. So whats the future looking like for the label and movement
Terrie Gunz
This year i am bringing out the 2010 collection comprising of cotton track jackets with loud graphics,also heavyweight t-shirts with distinctive appliques and prints.The most popular design of last year was the 'crown wings' logo design which was bootlegged in South Africa,but our solicitors stopped it before it escalated.This design was made popular by Zim rapper Carlprit on his live perfomance on uk GMTV with the pop group Cascada.
Godwin
What is your vision 5/10 years from now?
Terrie Gunz
I would want to expand my clothing labels and go into childrens wear,footwear,sportswear etc..i also want to open a chain of clothing shops in southerrn africa and cater to my people.As creative africans we are tired of supporting labels like Sean John,Ecko,Coogi,Fubu etc..its time we support and wear our own.I am currently assisting my cousin with his clothing label Zimstylez which is also picking momentum out here.
Godwin
People been asking, the streets wanna know, who is Terry Gunz?
Terrie Gunz
Born Tererai Avalon Mahati, I am a son of a hardworking mum who was a lingerie designer in the early 90's..Currently based in London, I m going to come back to Zimbabwe to open up a shop that will sell zim labels only like Kunta kinte conscious clothing, Harare hustler,top kosso and zimstylez.
Godwin
What other projects and business ventures are you working on besides clothing?
Terrie Gunz
I am currently working on a Harare hustler mixtape, that will definately put the label on a different street level nah mean. I am also trying to put zim's upcoming musicians on the map. The cd is being produced by Dj Dikkenz Gaggunz of Star Time Supasoundz..AND FEATURES 34 OF ZIM'S TOP EMCEES from carlprit, metaphysics, vizzy,doom e right, jus lyphe, black bird , 25tolyf,simple dread, dubbie benz, maccix flow etc..
Godwin
Do you rap or you just a big hip hop fan
Terrie Gunz
Yes, actually I am one of the first Zimbabwean hiphop artists who got in the game late 80's and appeared in The Source magazine [usa] and hiphop connection[uk].
Godwin
What Influences or Inspire your designs man?
Terrie Gunz
My clothing designs are influenced by hiphop culture i.e. the baggy cuts and bold 'in your face' graphics.
Godwin
Why did you choose the name Kunta Kinte? what does it mean or represent?
Terrie Gunz
I was deeply moved by the film ROOTS when it came out in the 70's..it opened my eyes to slavery and made me aware of the cruel world at any early age..so i chose the name of the iconic character KUNTA KINTE as my clothing brand name..It is also a name every black person can relate to in general.
Godwin
Anything else the streets need to know bout you?
Terrie Gunz
I am working hard on the designs to bring out good quality threads,intricate and creative designs to my Zim peoples, so look out for my t-shirts'..you can all contact me on 00 44 7701047535 or terriegunz@yahoo.co.uk.
You can download Part One/ Volume Harare Hustler Mixtape HERE