In this episode of the Change Africa Podcast, host Isaac Aboah sits down with Paakow Essandoh, founder of the celebrated fashion brand Mizizi, to explore the power of fashion as a tool for cultural identity, diaspora connection, and creative entrepreneurship.
Paakow shares how Mizizi was born out of his quest to reconnect with African heritage after feeling culturally disconnected growing up in the diaspora. What started as a passion project quickly became a global brand celebrating African pride through bold designs, cultural storytelling, and authentic community engagement.
The conversation explores the challenges of building a culturally sensitive brand, the role of collaboration and music in expanding reach, and how Mizizi navigated its rise from social media buzz to partnerships with major cultural institutions like Marvel. Paakow emphasizes the value of persistence, adaptability, and surrounding yourself with the right people to grow sustainably.
From personal identity to global impact, this episode highlights how fashion can help reclaim narratives, build movements, and reshape how Africa is seen, both by the world and by its diaspora.
Episode Summary
00:00 – Introduction to Change Africa Podcast
01:01 – Paakow Essandoh: Bridging Cultures Through Fashion
05:03 – The Journey of Entrepreneurship
08:59 – Grappling with Identity and Blackness
12:03 – Promoting African Culture Through Fashion
13:02 – The Launch of Mizizi and Initial Success
16:02 – Evolving the Brand and Cultural Sensitivity
19:09 – Media Attention and the Rise of Mizizi
20:54 – Sustaining Success in African Fashion
23:06 – Collaborations and Future Directions
23:50 – Building Connections Through Music and Fashion
26:29 – The Impact of African Culture on the Diaspora
29:02 – Collaborating with Marvel: A Journey of Persistence
38:08 – The Role of People in Business Success
41:27 – The Talent and Potential of African Creatives
45:48 – The Future of African Creativity and Global Representation
Further Reading and Resources
- Explore Mizizi at mizizishop.com
- Discover how Mizizi partnered with Marvel and other global brands
- Learn more about diaspora fashion and storytelling via The Folklore and OkayAfrica
This podcast is a production of Nexa Media.
Do you have a question for our hosts? Email us at changeafricapod@gmail.com
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