Some of the clothing featured on iseeyousee magazine's story "We are all one" is from Fuata Moyo, a company launched in 2020, and a family business run by the Mbiola siblings, all of them multi-disciplinary artists.  

Through Fuata Moyo, Kabambi, Martine, Lucy and Tshimaro are able to use fashion as the medium that brings them together to collaborate and weave their passions and metiers, from fashion design and photography, to graphic design, art directing and styling.  Here’s the interview for iseeyousee with this one-of-a-kind company.

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How and when was Fuata Moyo born?

The most crucial aspect of sustainability for any creative entrepreneur in Africa is the ability to sustain their business. The year 2020 brought about a crisis that turned our lives upside down, the COVID-19 pandemic. Its effects were felt worldwide, and in South Africa, the impact was significant. As a family working in the creative industry, we all lost our jobs. However, amidst the chaos, we saw an opportunity. By the end of 2020, we had become crazy enough to believe that it was the perfect time for us to become self-sustainable and start our business, Fuata Moyo. We named our brand in Swahili, which means "follow the heART."

‍When we embarked on our business journey, we had zero funds. To kickstart our venture, we collaborated with our community, organizing pre-sales of merchandise and a creative event to raise capital. It was a collective effort with love that allowed us to take our first steps. As fate would have it, our dedication and hard work caught the attention of a retail incubator called "We Are Egg." They were captivated by our vision and the passion we poured into ourbrand. Recognizing our potential, they graciously offered us a space to begin our entrepreneurial adventure. And so, that moment became the inception of our beloved brand.

What is the brand identity and vision?

Three things every individual on Earth has in common: we are born, we will die, and we all have a story that unfolds in between. We have all seen or heard "the sad tale of Africa," and honestly, ours isn't very different. When our sole breadwinner-our father, who was an artist-died, he left behind seven minors. You can guess that the will didn't amount to much, aside from a few material possessions. We had no option but to rely on our creativity to survive. What we didn't realize back then was that we had inherited his skill, which now resides in our hands, along with similarly creative minds. He also instilled in all of us the belief that we could change the world and the determination to utilize every tool at our disposal to do so. Like a child who works tirelessly to earn pocket money, we appreciate the sacrifices made for every cent. We are working to turn our inheritance into a legacy. "If a tree falls in the forest and no one hears it, does it really make a sound?" Too often, our voices and stories are disregarded, and it is our responsibility as creatives to become the storytellers of tomorrow. Sometimes, changing the world begins with changing a single word. Similar to our logo, the footprints represent not only our journey and how love has guided us to this point but also the marks we leave on the Earth-a literal roadmap for those who follow in our footsteps. Fuata Moyo, which means "follow the heART" in Swahili, is a pan-African brand driven by love, unity, and collaboration, jointly owned by the Mbiola siblings. We aim to elevate the family's legacy by utilizing love as the spirit that motivates our artistic journey. The world is but a canvas for our imagination. Follow our heART as we take steps toward creating an African renaissance. We embark on the journey of crafting a new narrative for Africa to the world, one step at a time.

What is the brand identity and vision?

Fuata Moyo is a lifestyle brand; it embodies a way of life. We do not only embrace our brand, but we also embody its values. We firmly believe that love serves as the driving force behind every artist's journey. Home, being where the heart resides, forms the very foundation of every creative endeavor.

‍At Fuata Moyo, our primary focus is on producing wearable art that showcases the rich and vibrant African designs. However, we go beyond merely creating fashion pieces. We strive to establish platforms and organize events that serve as a testament to the beauty of African artistry. With each piece we create and every event we host, our goal is to celebrate the essence of African design and inspire a deeper appreciation for its cultural significance.

Where did the initial idea or concept for this collection come from?

Our inspiration is always rooted in love, art, and people and stories we want to tell. Currently, the topic of our design is titled "Love Culture." The goal is to become part of the change we want to see in the world, in our own capacity.

Are there any specific art, music, or cultural references guiding the designs?

One of our favorite African musicians is Mapumba Cilombo. A versatile musician and producer based in Cape Town. The messages in his music have a significant influence on our brand; in fact, he inspired the brand name Fuata Moyo. He also has a song called "Mapendo," which means "love" in Swahili. We have a non profit organisation named Mapendo Project, an art-focused brand with a giving-back initiative aimed at supporting those in need through design, keeping the community in mind. The Mapendo Project is a nonprofit organization that curates designs, workshops, and events to support those in need of knowledge, inspiration, or funding.

How do you balance creativity with wearability and production?

We offer customized art paintings on clothing and accessories, as well as art commission services and bespoke tailoring. You can collaborate with us to design your own garment. We pride ourselves on providing creative direction and collaborative designs for individuals, brands, and companies. Our textiles and garments are hand-painted with fabric paint, turning every piece into wearable art. I have seen people framing our garments and hanging them in their homes. The balance is in the creation-fashion is art at Fuata Moyo.

Who is the ideal person you designed this collection for?

I personally don’t like the concept of a target market because people are complex. I believe that if our values align, anyone can be part of a target market. In business terms, I would say I target individuals who love art, fashion, and a creative lifestyle, as well as those who support African design and enjoy being expressive. We focus on individuals who appreciate the fusion of art, fashion, and creative living, emphasizing inclusivity. Our line of unisex products attracts creative professionals and individuals who wholeheartedly embrace self-expression and individualism. We actively engage both locals and internationals, as well as those who can be inspired by our story and brand values. Fuata Moyo is a movement bridging everyday pedestrians to divine creativity.

What do you hope people feel or do when they wear these pieces?

Fashion is part of personal branding. The biggest factor in people buying products is packaging, which also applies to individuals. People react to us differently depending on how we are dressed. We were created as individuals to stand out and not blend in. That’s what I have in mind while creating—to boost individual visibility and the confidence to carry the compliments that come with the garment. People will notice you and compliment you, but what you do with that is up to you. At least I hope people use it as an icebreaker to foster meaningful conversations or connections. That’s what I do, and many of my greatest connections and opportunities have come from simply walking into a room wearing Fuata Moyo.

Are there any sustainable practices or ethical considerations in this collection?

The most crucial aspect of sustainability for any creative entrepreneur in Africa is the ability to sustain their business. By doing so, our business now sustains ten individuals who are employed by the brand. We are very proud to be able to create jobs and fight against the unemployment issue the country faces. We run Fuata Moyo with sustainability as part of our practice. With our products being hand-painted and made from natural fabrics, people hold on to them longer as collectible wearable art pieces that can potentially be passed on. We not only prioritize conscious practices in our finished products but also utilize every off-cut in our online packaging and details on our garments. By up-cycling in this manner, we not only reduce our carbon footprint but also distinguish ourselves from our competitors. Sustainability is a way of life, and it is the responsibility of each of us to be mindful of our actions and lifestyles. In our factory, we practice zero waste and use off-cuts to create intricate details on garments. Additionally, we up-cycle old garments through artistic techniques, giving them a new lease on life.

What's next for your brand after this collection?

At the moment, we are planning our yearly fashion show for February, as well as working on our art festival for 2027, which will launch in September 2026. The Follow the Heart festival has always been a goal since the inception of Fuata Moyo, and we can’t wait to share it with the world.

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