From Teyateyang to the world
…Tšepang Teba shines on global stage, representing Lesotho at the BRICS+ Fashion Summit
RETHABILE MOHONO
Tšepang Teba, an emerging powerhouse in fashion and entertainment, recently represented Lesotho on the global stage at the BRICS+ Fashion Summit, a premier event that draws together fashion innovators from over 100 countries.
Held at Moscow Fashion Week, the Summit provided him with a unique opportunity to connect with industry leaders, share insights, and make valuable connections that could impact the future of Lesotho’s fashion industry.
Reflecting on his participation, Teba described the experience as a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity” that carries both an honor and a responsibility.
“I am super excited; the feeling is still sinking in that I am representing the country on such a huge platform. It’s both an honor and a responsibility because I have to make sure that I represent the country well in order to open more doors for the fashion industry stakeholders in Lesotho,” he shared.
The BRICS+ Fashion Summit is a significant gathering aimed at fostering the growth of emerging fashion markets, uniting nations under the BRICS Alliance framework. A key outcome this year was the establishment of the BRICS International Fashion Federation (BRICS IFF), which has the backing of over 50 fashion weeks worldwide.
The Federation’s mission is to promote fresh talent and facilitate cross-cultural collaborations, empowering designers and brands from lesser-represented nations to reach broader audiences.
Teba’s participation in Moscow included an invitation to Moscow Fashion Week as a VIP, further solidifying his rising profile in fashion.
“It’s incredible to see my hard work paying off on an international level,” he remarked. Recognized for his work with Lesotho Fashion Week, Teba’s invitation was a testament to his dedication to uplifting Lesotho’s fashion scene. Initially skeptical, he accepted the offer after the Summit’s organizers reached out in April, acknowledging his influence in Lesotho’s creative landscape.
A thriving career in fashion and entertainment
Teba’s ascent in the fashion world is underscored by a series of prominent roles in Lesotho’s entertainment industry. This year, he hosted the Red Carpet for the Lesotho Arts, Innovation, and Culture Week on October 18 and participated in the Miss Lesotho 2024 pageant on September 7.
He was also the MC at the National Security Fashion Affair organized by the Cograbic Institute of Arts on June 8 and served as a judge at the Mr and Miss NUL 2024 competition in April.
Beyond Lesotho, he showcased his remarkable coordination skills as the model casting director for the Autumn/Winter 2023 edition of Lesotho Fashion Week, which saw participation from international models from South Africa, Botswana, and Zimbabwe.
In addition to his role as a judge at the Miss Maseru 2023 pageant, Teba was the master of ceremonies for the Mr and Miss Teen Lesotho 2023. He also hosted the Elegant Cars and Vogue event at Ha Ramabanta and the Miss Keep Lesotho Clean 2023 pageant in December 2023.
Known for his collaborations with brands like Markham and Total Sport, Teba has cemented himself as a sought-after figure in Lesotho’s fashion and entertainment circles.
Cultural appropriation in a fast-changing world
This is one of the topics for which Teba was a panelist at the BRICS+ Fashion Summit in a plenary session that kicked off an essential discussion on a pressing global issue: Distinguishing between being inspired by a national culture and engaging in cultural appropriation.
The speakers were representatives of different cultures in Africa like Teba and Soma Njie, from Gambia Fashion Weekend who gave insight on different instances of cultural appropriation.
They highlighted the importance of understanding and respecting indigenous cultures when borrowing visual symbols. They emphasised that elements of national costumes, art objects, and various cultural artefacts are imbued with deep symbolism and meanings.
Therefore, replicating these elements without a proper understanding of their significance is deemed unacceptable.
When drawing inspiration from traditions, designers must thoroughly research the styles, colours, and patterns they intend to use, as well as the cultural implications. Furthermore, the session addressed the troubling issue of unique products created by indigenous peoples being appropriated by Western brands, often resold at significantly higher prices.
This could be seen as a form of imperialism, where Western brands are still benefiting off Indigenous people and using their privilege to make more money off other people’s cultures
Balancing dual careers with passion and dedication
While Teba’s career in entertainment flourishes, he also contributes to Lesotho’s healthcare sector as a Medical Laboratory Technologist, with experience at Motebang Hospital and ICAP’s LEPHIA project. His ability to balance these two demanding careers speaks to his resilience and commitment to making an impact in multiple fields.
His Calendar for the festive
Looking ahead, Teba’s calendar is packed with upcoming events. He will be hosting the Red Carpet at the ENDURANCE movie launch at Avani Maseru on October 9, MC’ing the Bajinity Fashion Show on November 23, hosting the Face of Lesotho 2024 Red Carpet on November 30, and MC’ing at the Mr and Miss Teen Lesotho 2024 on December 7.
Teba’s journey from Teyateyaneng to the global fashion stage is a testament to his talent, perseverance, and passion for representing Lesotho with pride. With each milestone, he brings Lesotho’s vibrant culture to the world and inspires others to pursue their dreams. His success not only raises his profile but also casts a spotlight on Lesotho’s potential as a creative powerhouse.
