The Faces behind
Wenafiwis - the Face behind ZANJI
Behind the Zanji brand is 26-year-old artist and designer Wenafwi from Blantyre, Malawi. With a background in marketing and a passion for art, she founded the label in 2020, which combines traditional elements and modern streetwear. What once began with the upcycling of old denim jackets has developed into a brand that uniquely fuses art and fashion.
Wenafwi draws her inspiration from Malawian culture and reinterprets traditional forms. In her studio in Blantyre, she creates hand-painted jackets, supported by her assistants Aretha and Moses, whom she trained herself. Together they create up to six jackets a day - each piece is unique and combines art and sustainability
The Craft
Textile Art
At the heart of Zanji are craftsmanship and creative innovation . In their workshop, which also serves as a sales room, the jackets are created in a meticulous process:
- Selection of fabrics : Some materials are sewn by ourselves, others are curated from second-hand shops .
- Individual designs : Wenafwi creates her own patterns, which she prints on site before cutting and sewing.
- Upcycling & Sustainability : Old fabrics are given a new life while fabric scraps are carefully recycled.
Through her dedication, Wenafwi creates about 6 garments a day, often in the quiet hours of the night when creativity flows most strongly. She has also trained Aretha and Moses, who support her on a project basis.
The Story
The Impact
Zanji not only stands for fashion, but also for community and empowerment. The workshop creates jobs, promotes young talent and focuses on sustainability:
- Economic recovery: Two helpers are employed on a commission basis while the brand grows.
- Local engagement: Through its presence at markets such as Zomba Market and events in Lilongwe, Zanji promotes the creative scene in Malawi.
- Future plans: Within the next 12 months, the workshop will be expanded and permanent staff will be hired to create even more space for creativity and production.
- Sustainability: All fabric scraps are further processed to minimize waste.
However, Wenafwi's vision goes far beyond that: with a planned event at the Blantyre Museum in 2025, she wants to create an immersive experience consisting of an installation and fashion show that will make Malawi's creativity internationally visible.