Based out of Rancho Belago, California. WAO (Wazaa Ardhi Original) founder and CEO Dwain Young started his company with one thought in mind, to build an apparel line that spoke the truth about our history. That love of history and his passion to share history is what fuels WAO today. He attended local festivals and street fair's with his Throwback T-shirt line Watts 1965 and LA 1992. The word soon spread and calls were coming from around the country. He knew then, that if he was going to tell the whole story, he would have to tell the story from the beginning and that is Africa. Teaming up with his designer Brian Thomas,they created Urban Knowledge Street Wear, The Resistance line was design to, spark dialogue and spread cultural consciousness. Our clothing lines are walking history lessons,paying tribute to events that shaped the future and make us who we are today. The Resistance line is about the shared history that many of us have limited knowledge of or have forgotten. Urban Knowledge Street Wear is not just a clothing line, it is a movement. What's inspiring is our customers response to the line, that feeling of pride and respect they have while wearing our clothing. This is what keeps the passion going.

Location: Rancho Belago, California

Website

Urban Steez: Tell us your name and how you came up with the name for your clothing line?

Dwain Young founder and CEO Well the name of my clothing line is WAZAA ARDHI ORIGINALS. I came up with the name because it stands for “MOTHERLAND” in Swahili. So originally it is MOTHERLAND ORIGINALS.

Urban Steez: So, when and how did you get started?

Dwain : I came up with the concept of the clothing line in 1987, but we did our first Watts festival in 2005. Everyone loved the clothing line and was very interested. Many people asked if there would be any additions to the clothing line in the future.

Urban Steez: So you been around a while… What is the concept behind your clothing and designs?

Dwain : The concept behind my clothing line is HISTORY. I would like to say African History but it is actually all of our history. Our designs are distinctly forward-looking with a modern, urban aesthetic.

Urban Steez: Clothes that are fashionable and have a message, that’s a good look! Is there a specific group of people that you are trying to grab if so explain?

Dwain : Yes, there is a specific group of people that I am trying to grab, mainly those who are interested in the truth about our history.

Urban Steez: What can we expect from your clothing line in the future?

Dwain : We are following the route of the DNA from Africa, to China, Australia and other ancient civilizations. Our hope is to see our clothing line to start appearing in stores coast to coast. So that everyone can learn about our history instead of just what has been told over the years that may or may not have been true.

Urban Steez: International recognition, can’t beat that. What are your influences for your clothing line?

Dwain : The Civil Rights Movement, African History and the Middle passage are a very important part of my influences for my clothing line.

Urban Steez: I like the historical theme, if you can convert that into a fashionable line, then you would make a real breakthrough in the fashion scene. What do you feel separates your line from the rest?

Dwain : I feel that WAZAA ARDHI ORIGINALS is the only clothing apparel company that has a message to it and also a history lesson.

Urban Steez: Give us a fashion tip than can be useful?

Dwain : Keep it simple but Creative with a little bit of Flavor.

Urban Steez: Give us one MAJOR fashion NO-NO?

Dwain : Do not wear anything that does not fit because you feel that it is right. Get the right size and wear it fashionably.

Urban Steez: Yeah, even Lil Wayne wised up!! What have you learned being an up and coming clothing line, good and bad?

Dwain :Good: Is the excitement about the clothing line and what is yet to come.

Bad: Trying to introduce something that is new and unseen.

Urban Steez: Yea, introducing a new line is always challenging. Now days you can have Kanye, or Drake wear your trends and next thing you know everyone is trying to buy it.What is the best way to get a hold of your threads?

Dwain :Well right now the best way is to get a hold of our threads is to go to the website www.TheUrbanAlley.net . We will be posting other retail stores as they come on board.

Urban Steez: Every Clothing line usually has a “motto” or a “saying” that represents there clothing line, what is yours?

Dwain : “If not us WHO, if not now WHEN?” “WAZAA ARDHI ORIGINALS is not just a clothing line it is a MOVEMENT!!”

Urban Steez: Any additional words you like to say to your supporters?

Dwain :What is inspiring is our customer’s response to the line, that feeling of pride and respect they have while wearing our clothing. This is what keeps the passion going.