Voodoo Republik, the Man Behind Bella Shmurda’s Style Evolution

Lagos dependent fashion stylist Voodoo Republic claims doing work with Bella Smurda has been “amazing”! The Triumphant singer has been loyally gown by Voodoo for the past 2 decades and the two function collaboratively to fuse Nigerian culture with modern-day vogue. It’s thanks to Voodoo that Bella coined his nickname ”Dangbana”, a Pidgin english term that refers to an individual with potent convictions to their roots and heritage. Now, Voodoo Republik sits with Manner Bomb Everyday to share the journey, issues and beauties he’s experienced in excess of the earlier several several years venturing into vogue styling in the heart of Africa.

FBD: How did you get your begin in the styling game?

Voodoo: As a kid I could always tell when a person is very well dressed. Subconsciously, I would seem at 5 distinct people and attempt to determine out who’s the most properly dressed among them. So time beyond regulation it grew to be a factor for me. I could generally tell what pant went with which shirt, what sneakers go the very best on what outfit fashion has constantly been a aspect of me. 
Yunno, style is just like mathematics to me 1+1 would generally equivalent 2. I just often understood once you location 2 gorgeous parts with each other it’ll generally arrive out best.

FBD: What is your strategy when you very first begin styling another person? Do you ask concerns, go through their closet? Do you edit their current wardrobe or build them a new 1?

Voodoo: So generally, what I try out to do most periods is that I try to recognize the client’s past history initially, the type of outfits he/she likes. 
I go by way of his/her earlier historical past, previous photographs and test to see what the individual has worn in the past just to recognize the people design and style. I glimpse for things that’ll glance the greatest on them. I also have back to again meetings with the shopper. I clearly show them samples and they select. I do this for the reason that most periods you could possibly assume this is what will appear very good on a individual and they’ll have a wholly distinct point on their intellect. 
Sometimes you are going to get the great outfit for them but they will not experience relaxed in it. Have faith in me, comfort and ease is just one of the most critical issues about trend. When you don the ideal outfit you’ll know you glance beautiful devoid of on the lookout at a mirror and this is the philosophy I consider to imbibe in my craft.

FBD: The folks you type are usually in edgy street use, would you call that a particular signature of yours?

Voodoo: Yes for certain, all my works gotta have that ‘Voodoo’s touch’. At the close of the working day, the only way to endure in these streets is by remaining distinct you gotta have your possess spice, there are a great deal of persons out there that do what I do, that is why I gotta stand out. Also, street put on trend is taking in excess of the environment correct now, when you glance at the likes of Kanye West, Burna Boy they are pioneers of road have on and I’m definitely inspired by them.

FBD: Who are some of your go-to manufacturers and designers for styling now?

Voodoo: I have some poor ass boys below in Nigeria and also got a couple of other a lot more in the relaxation of the earth. From Nigeria, the likes of David Blackmoore, Manacquired Know-how, Uxl, and Daltimore, then abroad Boohoo Male, Residence of Sunnyman, Topman, Bruce Glen, Akingsy and a lotta other additional that always occur by way of for me whenever I require ‘em.

FBD: Who are all those which you aspire to operate with later in the long run?

Voodoo: Yunno, it’s really nuts that I’ve worked with 50 percent of the people I utilized to aspire to do the job with but there is continue to a extensive list of men and women I’d love to get the job done with. The likes of Wizkid, Davido, Burna. Sometimes, I truly pray to God to make it come about and I know it will.

FBD: What would you say to youthful wardrobe stylists out there who like and respect your craft and would like to be like you sometime?

Voodoo: It took me a while to recognize that there are a good deal of younger wadrobe stylists out there that admire what I do and aspire to be like me I get a whole lot of e-mails from them most occasions and it blows my mind. 
The 1st issue I’m gonna say to them is: you gotta have a staff because you just cannot do it all alone. Massive shout out to my artistic assistant Victor Ijaduola and my personalized assistant Tunmise Ogunbore. Also to my girlfriend and mum as they all are a significant resource of assist to my craft.
Secondly, you have to continue to be concentrated. It’s gonna get seriously stormy along the way but you usually acquired to set your head in the video game and overcome all the obstructions. The only way to survive in this recreation is to be distinctive, no make any difference how fantastic some others are you have to be diverse. Every little thing about you has to stand out. Yunno in some cases you have just just one chance to establish you. Also, never permit your issues get the ideal of you – transfer on and find out from them. Trust me, you are going to get over the recreation.

What do you assume?

Key Image: Courtesy of Voodoo Republik