STRIVE®

What began as simple logo tees and hoodies is slowly evolving into more deliberate collaborations, with musicians teaming up with established streetwear labels to create collections that carry narrative weight. We spoke with @romeorapstar about his first collaboration with streetwear label STRIVE (Take No Shortcut). Both are building momentum in their respective lanes, and Rapstar says the alignment felt natural from the outset. Their first collection, “AHAZAZA,” which translates to “the future,” is tied to his recent song and reflects a shared interest in storytelling through style. “This collaboration was mainly inspired by the cultural connection between hip hop and fashion,” he says. “As an artist who focuses on lyricism and expression, it was easy to work with STRIVE because the brand is also rooted in artistic expression, imagination and deep feeling.” The idea that artiste merchandise could outlive the trend cycle is one Rapstar readily agrees with. “Yes, of course, it is a long-term movement,” he says. “Beyond the natural connection between hip hop and fashion, it is a primary way of self-expression, identity and cultural authenticity. It also carries commercial power. I would say this is only the beginning.” If this wave of artist-brand collaborations signals anything, it is that merchandise is becoming central to artistic identity in Rwanda, not an afterthought. Get the full story via the 🔗 in bio.

AHAZAZA MUSIC VIDEO OUT ON YOUTUBE. [ @romeorapstar X @strive.tns ] VIDEO BY @crtvkad STARRING : STRIVERS SHOP AHAZAZA VIA WEBSITE AHA-STR-RR-UBWENGEBUZIUBWENGE. #AHAZAZA #ROMEORAPSTAR #strive #tns

AHAZAZA V.1 SHOP: AHA-STR-RR-UBWENGEBUZIUBWENGE

Strive in silence, let them choke on the outcome. PERIOD #kigali #kigaliupdates #visitrwanda #sambaboi #newmusicalert

THE ONLY WAY TO GET THEM TEES: • STRIVERS PASSCARD - AHAZAZA • VIZIYO - AHAZAZA • TIME’sTIME - AHAZAZA • INKOTA Y’UBUGI - AHAZAZA • ISARURA - AHAZAZA [SOON TO WEBSITE] Mu mabara abiri Yin&Yang PHOTOS BY @KEBUKANGUFOTORE

HOW IT FEELS LIKE, TO STRIVE INTO AHAZAZA TEES: • STRIVERS PASSCARD - AHAZAZA • TIME’STIME - AHAZAZA Get the tees via website:

“ISI NI NINI ISI NI NYINSHI” Buy Ahazaza On: #strive #ahazaza #romeorapstar

STILL STRIVING INTO AHAZAZA

TWIBUKE TWIYUBAKA. #Kwibuka #NeverAgain #Strive

AHAZAZA VERSE 2

AHAZAZA VERSE 1

I DESIGNED FOR @strive.tns ON THEIR NEW COLLECTION WITH @romeorapstar HERE’s THE BREAKDOWN