Babatunde: Capulana Fever

The word Babatunde is a Yoruba (Nigerian) name and when translated it means ‘the father returns.’ Born in the heart of Johannesburg’s CBD, Babatunde has grown from a headwear experiment into a concept brand. Babatunde launched in July 2010 with a range of hats and caps but has since grown into a concept brand including new headwear styles, ties, bow ties, cravats, umbrellas, handbags, and sleeves for iPads and laptops.

images: Babatunde

From what began as a 5-hat and 5-cap design experiment, by Babatunde’s creator Gareth Cowden, the brand has moved into a space of creative optimism and confidence with new exciting products taking Babatunde to adolescence. With the target of becoming a worldwide brand, Babatunde amalgamates African colours and prints with Western shapes. The prints represent the individuality of each human being, whilst the colours symbolize the affluence.

images: Babatunde

This season’s collection Capulana Fever embraces the spirited heat of the African summer and pushes the boundaries of bold colour and print, as shown in the campaign shot by photographer Ross Garrett and styled by Gareth Cowden.

images: Babatunde

Babatunde stands for strong African values, and the progression of Africa through Afrocentrism. Each product is distinctive due to fabric cuts, as well as limited prints. Babatunde stands for all that is truly African and promoting strong family values. Babatunde urges the father figures to return to Africa. It is up to us as Africans to lift the continent, to respect each other and those around us, and to make decisions that benefit Africa. All products are proudly handmade in South Africa from African fabrics, and all the manufacturing takes place in South Africa with various manufacturers based in Durban, Johannesburg and Cape Town.