“Late last year I began to explore the idea of Bonkerz being a street wear brand that was the go to for dope ideas with dope messaging. A community of positivity.”

Bonkerz is a fashion street wear brand created, owned and designed by Mvoo Wanje. You may have seen its infamous ‘Bear’ logo around Nairobi city and beyond on your faves for the last 8 years of its existence. The last month has come with fantastic drops one of them being ‘Just Smile’, a concept that birthed TABASAMU.

This drop stands out not only because of the campaign but also with the use of symbolism that he hasn’t used before. This years pandemic has affected many creatives in different ways: for many it has challenged, inspired or even both.

“As a conceptual artist, the idea of TABASAMU came full circle (this year) over a period of three years and a series of different experiences. The first one was when a friend challenged me about the use of symbolism (more-so the smiley face) as a form of creative expression”.

During moments of thought and research, he came across an ad that reminded him of the brilliance that was the ‘Just Do It’ campaign done by Nike a few years ago and how it still stuck with him throughout those years. As a huge fan, he finds himself inspired by a lot of their work, their evolution and adaptability. Fast forward to a year later, a friend went over to his house and during what seemed like a painting session (he paints too) this friend characterised a recurring affirmation Mvoo would tell himself and his friends during tough times - “Just Smile”. A gentle reminder that things could be worse, but life is still blessed.

“After a couple of sketches the just smile idea emerged - influenced by a combination of two things and three years of different experiences”.

This epiphany happened to come up right when COVID - 19 hit the globe and he took that as thee SIGN - thereafter TABASAMU was born.

The beauty of this pandemic is the positive challenge it has given creatives to keep creating. This new season has an array of different styles, clothing options, colour ways and an introduction to Bonkerz bucket hats! The work truly speaks for itself. Support narratives that you can relate to: made by Kenyans, for Kenyans - SO BUY KENYAN.