Harare Hustler Brand drops in the USA

Last Updated on Monday, 24 May 2010 02:25 Saturday, 23 January 2010 07:07

Written by Tirivashe Mundondo

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The Harare Hustler clothing brand is now the most recognizable and most popular fashion name in the diaspora Zim community. A brainchild of Zimbabwean born apparel designer Terrie 'Gunz' Mahati who started the brand in summer 1998 with just one long-sleeved red 'crown wings' design t-shirt which he wore to Zimfestival and then to the after party. I just wanted to stick out like a black man on an ice hockey field, and wear something that everyone did not have that day and the response to the product was phenomenal!' says the man himself.

He took orders from his fellow countrymen, and a label was born. Not only are the graphics loud and creatively laid out, also the heavyweight quality of the t-shirts is very appealing. I asked Terrie if it was not controversial to produce this brand, Why not Bulawayo Hustler or Masvingo Banger or something? - 'I am merely embracing the city that educated me to be street smart and get to were I am now, which is 'hustling’, and I got a million other brothers and sisters out there that can relate to it and besides my cousin's label ZIMSTYLES produces designs that cater to all other Zim cities related Gunz. The Harare Hustler t-shirts were made popular by Zim hip-hop artist Carlprit on the live GMTV UK program were he performed with European pop outfit Cascada with their hit 'Evacuate the dance floor.

Mahati went from producing 10 t-shirts a week to now producing bulk orders to distributors, who are mostly Zimboz abroad. The t-shirts were also worn by American RnB groups Jagged Edge and Blackstreet who described the tees as being 'cool and ghetto'. All heads are looking out for the 2010 collection which after peeping at some of the designs looks awesome. I personally like his attention to detail, quality of garments and bold graphics that represent the city of Harare in a way the New York t-shirts are represented by proud New Yorkers.

“Living in the Diaspora we feel proud to wear something with the name of the place where we come from proudly” said one customer. Gone are the days of supporting foreign brands such as Coogi, Ecko, Enyce, Fubu etc. It’s time to embrace our own if the quality is def on point why not. Marketing/pr executive for the brand Ivy Kane said 'It's a fresh year, and we got fresh designs coming out, and hope to officially  launch the product this year and distribute to Southern Africa and beyond!’ the label will be venturing into ladies tees, jackets, hoodies and head gear...for inquiries tel - 00 44 7701047535