Bantu's Style is as Eclectic as His Music
Singer, songwriter and Grammy-nominated producer, Tinashe Sibanda, better known as Bantu, sat down with Lethabo (aka @leewritesalot) to talk about his personal style.
Bantu – a Los Angeles-based, multi-talented Zimbabwean musician – has had a keen sense of rhythm since the age of 13, when he began experimenting with beats in his living room. These days he’s known for the brilliant way that he manages to marry electronic club sounds with hip-hop, authentic African tunes and reggae. Having already worked with some big names, including Maroon 5, Nicki Minaj, J Balvin, French Montana, A$AP Rocky, Fifth Harmony, Jason Derulo and DaniLeigh, he’s no stranger to the industry. In a solo capacity, he has released hit singles including ‘Jackie Chan’, ‘Roll With Me’, and ‘Leaving’, which were featured on the FIFA 21 soundtrack. Towards the end of 2022, he released another two tracks: ‘One Light Remix’ featuring Latto, Yung Bleu and Maroon 5, which came out in November, followed by ‘Freaky.’
Apart from music, Bantu has a keen interest in fashion. He has an affinity for bright colours and enjoys combining a variety of brands – from luxury to streetwear. Sunglasses are another important element of his aesthetic – it’s safe to say that his taste in fashion is as vast as his musical style.
Do you remember your first introduction to fashion?
When I was five, my mom used to own a clothing store for kids and I was her model. She would dress me up in the craziest fits. I don't know if I even knew what was going on but that's when my love for fashion was born.
When did you start putting effort into your aesthetic?
Probably at 25, when I started putting out music as an artist. I realised that I needed to build a brand, a specific look. It was difficult and it took some time but I eventually got there.
Do you style yourself or do you have a stylist?
I have a stylist. She is one of my best friends, [and her name is] Manon. When I started putting music out, she politely told me I needed help [laughs]. She's French and super stylish and so we started working on my look. Over the years we've experimented with many styles and looks – without her, I'd be lost. I challenge her and she challenges me, continuously.
How would you describe your style?
Who has inspired your style?
I'm inspired by modern streetwear but I also like looking back at where fashion was in the ‘80s and early '90s. My inspiration comes from everywhere.
As you mentioned, you’re attracted to bright and neon colours and prints. Why did you choose to incorporate these elements into your aesthetic?
I love black but I think at some point it became the safe go-to colour for most people. So I started wearing [more] colour because it reminded me that you can express yourself in more than just one colourway. I think I dress like what my music sounds like. My music is very bright and upbeat and makes you dance.
Your hair is one of your standout features. What was the motivation to grow it and colour it?
Yooooh, my hair is the biggest experiment ever. I've never gotten it twisted or locked or done really. It’s been growing by itself, free form, and I'm blessed that it came out looking cool. If I ever cut my hair, it would probably grow back completely differently. I was just trying to do something different and when I coloured it, it was supposed to be for a shoot I was doing. I ended up really liking it and keeping it.
What do you look for when you shop for frames?
I love glasses! I probably own over 40 pairs of frames. I look for whatever fits my face best. Vintage, futuristic… I'm into them all. But even though I have a lot, I usually have a pair that I really like that I wear on a daily basis.
What are the brands that you tend to gravitate towards?
I love designer and high fashion as well as everyday brands that you find online or at the local mall. I think mixing and matching vibes is the best. But some of my favourites are Off White, Dolce & Gabbana, Daily Paper, Manière De Voir and Mauna Kea.
How do you think your cultural background has contributed to your understanding of style?
I grew up with a rich culture of expressing yourself and having your own unique identity. I think having style is being bold and brave. Not having to wait for where things are going but choosing to say, I wanna go this way. That's something that was encouraged in my household and in my group of friends. In Zimbabwe, we didn't always have much but our style was something that nobody could take away from us.
