Touch Motswako branches to merchandising
Dumisani Ncube | Thursday July 14, 2016 18:00
“The whole concept started when I was doing promo T-shirts for my 2012 album Fresh 2 Tswak. People loved the promo T-shirts and asked if I can make some T-shirts for them. Then I developed the idea to come up with a Fresh 2 Tswak clothing line,” Touch Motswako said.
Describing the Fresh 2 Tswak clothing line he stated that it is conceptualised from a Motswako perspective. “It’s a brand that is aimed at celebrating Motswako hip-hop culture”.
Fresh 2 Tswak clothing has designs for both men and women. The rapper hinted that he is working on growing his merchandise from just caps, jackets and T-shirts.
Due to his merchandise ,Touch Motswako has been working on some guerilla marketing tactics as he is going around Gaborone setting up street stalls dubbed Fresh 2 Tswak Street Museum that will have his merchandise. He is also planning to establish a concept store. Some of his marketing tactics are through the use of social media platforms where some people place orders.
“The reception has been crazy but it is not yet that crazy. People are coming to out stalls to check out the clothes but the only problem is Batswana don’t have faith in buying from a local suppler”.
Fresh 2 Tswak clothing has also been receiving love from local celebrities such as jazz sensation Kearoma Rantao who has previously posted pictures on social networks donning the caps and T-shirts.
When explaining why he is focusing on merchandising, he stated that as a rapper one has to use different revenue streams through their brand. “This is also a way of connecting with fans.”
Of late Touch Motswako has been a busy man with his clothing line and organising different events such as the Razi Flea market. He stated that his aim is to establish his own identity.
“I am hoping that most rappers could do the same; they are used to complaining about everything and being spoon fed”.