When Akandwanaho Joshua Karooro was about to be born, his family travelled to Japan, and lived in a very beautiful place with kind people.
“These people, became our best of friends, –to date” he says. When the family came back, his parents nick named him Chenko, because that was the name of the Japan village where they had stayed, and made very good memories and friends.
Now, “when you go to my home looking for Akandwanaho Joshua, it will take you along while to find who you want, but just say Chenko, and they will call me in no time.”
Originally from Bushenyi District, Joshua, now Chenko was born in a family of three, 2 girls before him, but there is a twist, he grows up in a family of 10 when a kind hearted family member decides to take him and his elder sisters in, to join the already established family of 6, making a house hold of 10 little ones.
In our interaction, I quickly learn that he is not alienated to being an award winner “Everyone, including my family knew that I would be a vocal artist in future because I used to lead the school choirs in all my school days, up to the National Level and we scooped some awards” he says, “I also used to play volley ball and I played up to the East African Region level and I played almost all athletic games.”
After finishing his Secondary from Ntare school, he joined Kampala International University for bachelor’s degree in computer engineering and soon realized that it wasn’t his “award winning” calling. “I knew that I was passionate about fashion so I travelled abroad for a short course in fashion and designing.”
Take on Ugandan Male Fashion Industry
He expresses gratefulness because of the “miracles” in this industry.
“We have people like Kaijuka Abbas, Raphael Kasule, Abryanz, Eguana Kampala and so many others who have been nominated in the whole of Africa and they have scooped awards from all over Africa.”
He also points out on the power of collaboration and team work that is very populous in this side of the industry “We are working as a family and we inspire each other (we even work with ladies). It’s with this cause that we have achieved more and sold Uganda the peal of Africa to the world” he says. They do this by having each other’s back, for example; they ensure to unitedly push for each other’s win when a designer gets nominated. “If the designer scoops an award from any county outside Uganda, is categorized under his home country and this sales Uganda to the world.”
House Of Chenko
His inspirations being; Nature, family, the late Nelson Mandela (RIP) and in a special way, Hon. Mary Karooro Okurut.
If you have been lucky enough to wear something by House Of Chenko, or seen his work, then you, with no doubt understand how he is inspired by nature. The textures, hues, designs, colors and concepts of every piece will have you torn between dreaming about oceans or sand dunes.
There is a personal touch to every person, “I believe in nature so much and nature is composed of so many things with different characters, that’s why my work is an expression of different characters” he adds.
What are your values? I ask, and he responds; “I have a good taste when it comes to fashion and I respect my clients because they are the kings. I also believe in delivering on time with great regard for high quality standards.”
Being creative is the currency that keeps you in this kind of industry, and as you can tell, that is something Chenko has not yet run short of. His very innovative and creative mind makes him the ultimate fashion designer. “And like I said, I used to do Music (which I still do in my free time) and music and fashion are twins.”
In his conclusion, Chenko urges you to never give up, especially if you are a young person. “Always chase your dream no matter what. At every end of darkness, there is light. Always work towards that light otherwise you will never leave the tunnel.”
Access House Of Chenko on;
Akright Stage on Sai Baba Indian temple, Entebbe road.
Instagram: https://instagram.com/house_of_chenko_fashions?utm_medium=copy_link
