The year is 2136, location somewhere in Africa. A group of art connoisseurs sit in an art gallery celebrating the legacy of the Black Pablo Picasso reincarnated in the form proprietor of Kente styles; the lanky Troy Lubega Elimo.
Troy doesn’t strike you as an artist though you’d concede he is a rather exquisitely outstanding colour hungry fashion sense chap. He dons a black hoodie with a patch of afrique patterns. His hair is knotty, he wears a trendy hat on his head. What’s missing are those random Kalifa Aganaga boots. I ask if by any chance he’s Aganaga’s long-lost twin. He laughs and vehemently denies Aganaga.
Troy is a second year information science student at Cavendish University, Kampala, he isn’t your typical 20-year-old. He’s the true definition of a go getter, a hustler and entrepreneur. He is an artist, painter designer and merchant. He however insists he’s more of a ‘fashion prince.’ Troy paints oil on canvas, and on wood. He whisks out some of his art pieces. They’re so surreal and incredibly breathtaking.
There are various shades of paintings, there are real life portraits of individuals. “Did you paint these, or is there an app that paints these?” I ask. He laughs off my question. In another corner are canvas paintings of a young couple and a landscape paintings. “When did you learn you had this glorious penchant for art and this priceless talent?” I ask. “Well, I’ve always loved painting from childhood, a crayon was my favourite toy. I perfected my art in high school. I attended many schools because I was quite big-headed so I got kinda expelled.” he explains.
He shows me his designs, shades with African rimmed touch, shoes, jumpers, shorts and shirts. His face bears the look of an accomplished man vying for more success. His merchandise is impressive for his age. “My style of art is something close to abstract.” continues Troy.
Achievement? His greatest achievement was designing and dressing Miss Cavendish contestants. He says he finds challenge in people who insist on paying peanuts for local talent yet the input in terms of time are immense.
“I also find it hard to strike the rather delicate balance between, work and books.” he adds.
Do you pay your own tuition? “No, Ma pays that but I hardly ever bother her for upkeep and day to day expenses.” Market? “I sell my wares to fashion thirsty University students and I have traders in Juba who buy my crafts,” he quickly adds business is rather slow often.
Troy says he began with a paltry sh100k, selling on order. The orders increased before him and a group of friends found space at Metroplex Mall where they showcase their craft.
On what keeps him going and where he derives his inspiration, he says. “I pick my inspiration from Ohema Ohene, Buki Akib, House of Tayo, Gloria Wavamuno and Renzioni my mentor and last but not least my mother who has made me who I am!”
He says he dreams of being the best fashion designer with branches allover Africa. He has a philanthropic side to him, he plans on setting up a charity as a way of giving back to society.
He asks university students to keep trying and dream beyond their peers. Troy is as single as the Eiffel tower (ladies copy)!
He says he earns shs2m on average depending on the month and clients. Check out his designer outfits on his Facebook page Kente Styles (which was featured in a south African Fashion Magazine; Corab Magazine.)
Alternatively hit his personal inbox on Facebook. Troy Jeter Schuller or call him up. No. +256701622518.
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