African Stories report leads to design collaboration

Mady-Khoullé Sylla in Paris was researching African handcrafts and fashion online when he stumbled upon a report called "Le Tisserand du Kenté" (The Kenté Weaver) on YouTube. The report, which was produced as part of DW Akademie's African Stories project, portrayed Godwin Dagba, a skilled weaver living in a small town in Togo. Dagba specializes in producing Kenté – a colorful cloth that has a long tradition in West Africa.

Sylla, together with three of his friends, had recently launched a company called Bobazin with the goal of promoting ethical handcrafted fashion made in Africa. Seeing the report about the weaver Dagba led to an inspirational meeting between the two in Togo.

DW Akademie contacted the two men to learn more about their project.

Mr Sylla, what prompted you to meet with Mr Dagba?

Mady-Khoullé Sylla:My colleagues at Bobazin and I were impressed by Godwin's beautiful workmanship and also by his determination. The African Stories report didn't just focus on his atelier but also his own personal story. Godwin has sacrificed so much for his craft – but at the same time, he offers apprenticeships so that he can pass on his skills to young people. This is also a way to protect young people from unemployment; currently about 65 percent of the youths in Togo are without a job.

Mr Dagba, were you surprised to get Mr Sylla's call from Paris?

Godwin Dagba:I really was! Mady had got my contact details from the TV report and called to tell me about Bobazin. He said he'd like to meet me and help support my work. I didn't hesitate and said, "You are welcome in Togo - I look forward to meeting you!"

And so you met each other in Kévé, the small town where you live with a population of 6,500…

Sylla: I landed in Lomé, Togo's capital and met Godwin 24 hours later. It was a fantastic moment! He was very welcoming and immediately began telling me about his craft.
Dagba: I introduced Mady to my family and apprentices, showed him my atelier and explained how we work with the loom.

What are your plans for the new project?
Dagba: We are going to start by designing a collection of handmade scarves made from Kenté cloth. We're hoping to later produce other Kenté items such as shoes and wallets, as well as more clothing and accessoires. Kenté has a very long history. It began in Ghana and was initially reserved for royalty. It's still woven on traditional looms. So far I've just been selling the cloth itself, so producing clothes from it is a new venture.

Sylla: Bobazin's plan is to give long-term support to Godwin's atelier. We are starting a crowdfunding campaign called "La Paola Monova". Right now, for example, Godwin lacks funds for marketing new products, and doesn't have a website or an email address. He doesn't receive any payment for teaching young people how to weave and in the rainy season he has to stop production because his roof, which is made of straw, is leaking and he doesn't earn enough to finish building a concrete extension to his workshop.

The report, then, sparked your idea for the project?

Sylla: Yes. My colleagues and I decided to develop a strategic plan because this tradition of weaving Kenté cloth can only be preserved if people like Godwin train others to continue. I'm also pleased that DW Akademie enables reports to be made about people like Godwin, and hope that this inspires others, as well.

What role do social media play in this? After all, Mr. Sylla, you contacted DW Akademie via Facebook…

Sylla: Social media are extremely important. We're able to keep up with trends this way and reach people interested in sustainable ethical fashion, and in supporting handcrafts and long-term production in developing countries. Our crowdfunding campaign is key for getting this project underway.

Has the African Stories report resulted in more interest in your work, Mr Dagba?
Dagba: Yes it has. People - including those from neighboring countries - have learned about my atelier this way and have visited my atelier to see how I work. Sales haven't really increased, though. I'm hoping that the Les Merles Kenté project will allow us to produce other products as well.

Click here for further details about Bobazin and the crowdfunding campaign.

Mady-Khoullé Sylla contacted us via our Facebook page DW Akademie Africa to tell us how the plan came about.

African Stories is a project initiated by DW Akademie. It offers additional training for African TV media makers, with a goal to produce inspiring TV reports about people across the continent who are bringing about change for themselves as well as their communities. More information on the blog.