Bryan Ahumuza is a Ugandan fashion entrepreneur. He is the proprietor of Abryanz boutique at Garden City mall on Yusuf Lule road. He is also the founder and CEO of Abryanz Style and Fashion Awards (ASFA). We caught up with him and this is what he had to share;
Reporter: What should we expect at this year's edition of Abryanz style and fashion awards (Asfas)?
Bryan: This year marks the fifth edition of Asfas and we’re making everything better. For example, the red carpet is going to be the biggest and longest in Kampala’s entertainment history, the lineup of music performances will be the most exciting since the inception of the awards in 2013. Some of the biggest names in Africa music and here in Uganda have already been booked to perform at the event and the details shall be published in a few weeks.
This year’s fashion showcase will feature designers from Nigeria, South Africa and Kampala like Renowned fashion designer David Tlale has already confirmed attendance, he will also be the producer of the event. So, expect an unforgettable experience from the fashion, to the entertainment and lots more.
Reporter: Why the slogan ‘Fashion take-over’?
Bryan: Every year, we have a theme and so we chose "Fashion Takeover’ for 2017. You can agree with me that fashion has taken over in Uganda. Back in the day, this was only a hobby. It was rare to find someone earning a living out of fashion. Things have changed now; fashion is a source of employment to many people especially the youth. Look around your neighborhood and you won’t fail to see a clothing outlet, run and owned by a young person.
I’ll give another example of makeup artists who are now taking their work seriously by opening makeup studios and salons. People are appreciating the craft and supporting these businesses. These are many of the things that never happened back in the day. We can all now say that ‘looking good is good business’. That’s why this year; we are celebrating the entrepreneurial and business potential of fashion.
Reporter: Do we see Abryanz grooming young dreamers?
Bryan: I don’t want to groom young dreamers. I’d like to empower everyone to not just dream, but to do something about their dream. With this year’s theme, we want to inspire everyone interested in fashion to do something about their dream.
Reporter: People say you only Award close friends that buy from your store, what’s your take on this?
Bryan: This is a baseless accusation. What people forget is that fashion is such a small industry. We all know each other somehow. The fact that I’m a player in the industry, I know a number of the people that get to win the awards. However, that doesn’t mean they don’t win genuinely.
Reporter: Lastly, isn't 100k to high, what's your take on some of your fans that can't afford such a figure and would love to be part of the awards?
Bryan: With what we are offering, I believe 100k is such a small price to pay. When you come to the ASFAs, you come to have an experience – a world class experience actually. It’s worth more.
