Creative Spotlight is a segment that puts some of the most talented and innovative Creators and Creatives living in Africa and the Diaspora in the limelight. It is our way of letting you discover the people behind the creative works that you see, listen to or wear on a daily basis. Today, the creative we will be spotlighting is none other than Ghanaian/Burkinabé Contemporary Fashion Designer and Stylist, Zechariah Mako Akolam.
Tell us a little about your background.
I’m originally from Burkina Faso, but my roots run through Navrongo in the Upper East Region of Ghana. I grew up surrounded by different cultures because of family ties and all of that shaped how I see and create. My designs are based on my tribe’s architecture. I come from a creative family. My grandfather and uncle are both artists. My mum was a dressmaker. I grew up watching her work with fabric and hands. I’m the last of three kids. I’ve always been quiet and observant. I see detail before anything else. I make clothes that feel honest. I mostly use handmade batiks and tie-dyes. Each piece is one of one or made in twos. I don’t design for attention. I design to document, to remember and to feel.
What inspired your brand name?
The name Koffi Maako comes from my own name. “Maako” is the actual spelling of my middle name, and in my native language, it means “my father.” I was born on a Friday, so “Koffi” is my day name. Together, the name reads as “Koffi my father.” It’s personal.
What and who inspired you to choose your career?
The truth is, my choice of career has always been me. From a young age, I was drawn to creativity so I didn’t need an external person or moment to inspire me. It’s something that’s always been within me. My family has its share of artists and creators, but my path was never about following anyone else’s footsteps. It was about realizing that this was always where I was meant to be.
At what point in your life did u decide your career path?
It was after I finished high school and was about to enter university. I was mainly just experimenting with arts and I landed on fashion.
Tell us the details about your work? What does it entail?
The truth is, choosing this path has always felt like the most natural thing for me. From the beginning, I was drawn to creativity in every form, shapes, textures and stories. It wasn’t a decision I made but a realization that I’ve always been this way. I grew up surrounded by creators but my path never felt like something I had to choose based on outside influence. It was always within me, quietly waiting to surface.
Your past works? People and brands you’ve worked with.
I’ve had the chance to work with some incredible people and projects over the years. I worked with Rachel Johnson, the stylist behind icons like Jay Z and LeBron James. I was also an assistant stylist on Tiwa Savage’s Water & Garri film. My pieces have been worn by artists like GuiltyBeatz and Juls, and I’ve collaborated with Aba the Goddess, who was featured in Marvel’s Black Panther(1&2). I interned at Glitz Africa, which gave me insight into the fashion industry from the ground up. I’ve worked with Fameye and teamed up with stylists to create custom pieces for Fantana, R2Bees, and Camidoh.
Recent Notable Works
One of my most recent and notable works is the “Kinfolk” collection. It’s deeply personal and explores the idea of finding comfort in our uniqueness. The collection draws from my own story, my cultural roots, and the different tribes and experiences that have shaped me. I designed it to feel both intimate and bold, using structure and handmade fabrics to tell a story about identity, connection, and what it means to truly belong. It debuted at a fashion show with the theme “Dare to be Different”, which really captured the heart of the collection.
Advice For Creatives Venturing Into Your Field
Draw from your culture, but don’t let it box you in. You are allowed to grow, evolve and challenge traditions.
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