We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Chimnedum “OMEGA” Nga. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Chimnedum “OMEGA” below.

OMEGA, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career?

I am lucky to have been blessed with two of the most solid individuals God has ever created as parents. I cannot ignore the impact they had on my development and growth from a boy into a man. My parents were born and raised in Nigeria in an area that used to be referred to as Bendel state. I was also born in that same region, but by the time I was born Bendel State had been divided into Edo state and Delta state.

One of the greatest things my parents did while raising me is giving me a knowledge of self. Those who immigrate to the United States are faced with situations that American-born citizens cannot imagine. These stressful and high-stake situations often change individuals, forcing them to deviate from the plans they made before landing in the States. Everyday, my parents gave me an example of what it means to know who you are and what you want to get out of life. My father and mother emerged from every situation they have faced more resolved in their principles, values, and spirituality. This living example left an indelible mark on me – installing within me an unwavering belief in myself and my capabilities.

OMEGA, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My name is Chimnedum, but I go by OMEGA. I am the founder and designer for EKPEN, a brand that creates fashion pieces that are guaranteed to make a statement, every time. EKPEN isn’t your everyday fashion brand. EKPEN captures the stories, cultures, and experiences of Africans living in diaspora, then we weave it into our garments.

EKPEN creates superior garments for the ultra modern. Our brand’s ideology is based on creating our own realities by taking control of our narrative and telling our own stories. EKPEN is rooted in West African culture. Having a strong cultural root allows us to draw from the energy of our ancestors and spiritual anchors to amplify the message and reach like-minded individuals. EKPEN’s mission lies in establishing a new renaissance – an African renaissance – where an army of like-minded people band together to move the culture forward and establish new ways to relate with ourselves and our communities, both at home and abroad.

I got into fashion design at a very young age. I have always had a gift for expressing my artistic talents through various mediums. I began to take my art seriously around the age of 12. This is when I began taking free anime-style art courses at a local library and teaching myself a number of graffiti styles. The styles of garments I have released through EKPEN are evidence of my unique artistic foundation. Any proper graffiti artist is willing to rock the boat in order to get their message across to the masses. The anime art styles I learned became the starting point for my techniques in fashion and styling. If I’m drawing characters, I have to give them clothes, right?

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

EKPEN aims to tell our own stories from our unique position as Africans living in the worldwide African diaspora. West African countries have unique histories that span back to the dawn of civilization. It can be said that all indigenous cultures across Africa have a depth of history that cannot compare to any other continent. The cultures that we West Africans practice today are modern versions of cultures that are thousands of years old. These are the evolving practices, principles, and ideals that guided our ancestors through untold times in history. The perseverance of those who came before us is what allows us to be here today.

African cultures, especially West African cultures, place a strong emphasis on family and community. EKPEN has adopted this cultural principle and we are working towards establishing ourselves as a cultural center. This would allow like-minded individuals living in Africa or abroad to come to EKPEN when they want to learn about their culture.

In the future, EKPEN will allow emerging designers in Africa or abroad to produce and release designs under our brand. We understand that the survival of our cultures depends on our ability to capture and tell our own stories. EKPEN wants to enable the next generation of storytellers and visionaries by providing a platform for the next wave of renaissance men and women.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe is a book that changed my outlook on life and informs the philosophy behind EKPEN. The book is about a man living in what would later become the south-eastern region of Nigeria. The man, named Okonkwo, is the lens that Chinua Achebe uses to view how indigenous African communities were affected by the arrival of British missionaries. Achebe masterfully weaves history into a story that most people have never heard of before.

I realized the importance of owning your own story after reading Things Fall Apart.

Contact Info:

• Website: www,EKPEN.shop
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ekpen.shop
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EKPEN.shop
• Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/EKPEN_
• Other: https://www.instagram.com/omega.vzn