EIGHT YEARS AGO, South Africa-based Rwandan fashion designer Amza Niyonzima ventured into fashion and has since established himself among the best African fashionistas of this generation.  

He may be a business and marketing university graduate, but Niyonzima, also known as ‘Nyambo’, was driven by his passion for fashion, eventually establishing a successful fashion brand dubbed ‘Masa Mara’.  He creates and develops his couture around the cultural wear of African tribes which makes his designs unique.

Niyonzima was recently among four African creatives who participated at the African Fashion International (AFI) and pan-African network of creatives in South Africa, representing East Africa.

The 30-year-old spoke to The New Times and shared his journey to establishing his Masa Mara brand, inspiration and career aspirations for the future.

Who is Amza Niyonzima?

Nyambo Masa Mara is a versatile multi-disciplinary, textile and fashion designer, working in a range of media and across platforms. He developed a love affair with fashion and art at a young age. Even as a young boy, Nyambo meticulously put his outfits together and used his clothing to express his culture, personal taste, and his zest for life.

some of his design creations

I was born in Rwanda, but due to the tragedy that took place in Rwanda in 1994, I was forced to grow up in different parts of Africa. After the Genocide against the Tutsi, I found myself moving to different countries, South Africa being the last stop.

How did you end up venturing into fashion?

My fashion journey began when I started customizing my personal style for my dance and music performances. This sparked interest from friends, who then started requesting creations of their own. I began by creating and printing t-shirt designs and also started teaching myself more about the fashion industry. I taught myself pattern making and sewing.

This propelled me to seriously consider the development of my first clothing line in 2013.

How can you describe your fashion journey so far?

My journey in fashion has not been easy at all, given that I started fashion without any knowledge or funds at all. I had to find a way to educate myself about the industry and also gather the resources. Still, this was not enough. I had to work twice as hard for me to be recognised as a designer, then educate my target market about the brand’s core value.

How did the Masa Mara brand name come about? And who inspired you to venture into fashion?

The brand Masa Mara was inspired by the Rwandan saying" Amara Masa" and rearranged the letters and I came up with Masa Mara, which means "something from nothing" or "empty-handed". Given that I started the brand with literally nothing and made something, I felt that the name represented me well.

I would say fashion was a gift from my grandfather, who was a tailor, and my mom, who sold African fabrics. I combined both their talents.

What inspires your fashion brand?

My brand is inspired by the harmony that can exist between the past and the present; the traditional and the modern. My designs honour the cultural wear of various African tribes.

What are the biggest fashion shows/events that have your showcased your collections?

 I have participated in the South African Menswear Fashion Week, Africa Exchange Fashion Week, and SunMe, the biggest horse race and fashion event on the continent of Africa. I also recently showcased at the Africa Fashion International, just to name a few.

South Africa has had a growing fashion industry for years, what experiences have you learned from the industry towards establishing a successful fashion brand like Masa Mara?

 I have learnt to be persistent. I also learnt to position my brand amongst big brands, by creating a unique quality brand through combining both art and fashion.

What do you attribute Masa Mara’s success to?

Bravery, staying true to myself, consistency, willingness to sacrifice and knowing why I started the brand.

What are your future plans for your fashion journey?

My future plans are to establish Masa Mara globally and continue being a voice for Africa by decolonizing African identity through fashion