26 year old Rodney Emeka, the Creative Director
of McMeka, won the MTN Young Designer of the
Year competition at the Lagos Fashion and Design
Week 2013. He runs McMeka, a Lagos based
menswear design label which solely focuses on
bespoke tailoring which he founded in Sept. 2011.
The young PH bred designer came up against
formidable names like Waneami, Diana aLa Vid
(DLV), Ayo Van Elmar, Reni Smith, Ladunni Lambo,
Sho by Adesola Obebe, Tumilla by Tumi Ladega,
Kenneth Ize and Siaiano who were also shortlisted
as finalists for the MTN Young Designer of the
Year. However, his hard work and resilience paid
off and he was crowned the winner. Continue to
see some of his designs....
Interview granted Awala of Exhilarate, below...
Tell me a little about yourself. Where are you
from? What's your educational background?
My name is Rodney Emeka Igwedinma and the
winner of MTN Young Designer of the Year award
2013. I am currently a student of University of
Lagos, studying Accounting. I am from Anambra
East Local government in Anambra state. I come
from a family of seven, of which I happen to be the
last born of the house. My parents are Ebenezer
and Monica Igwedinma. My dad is a retired civil
servant while my mom is a tailor and we are a
happy lot. Growing up, I schooled in Rivers state,
Port Harcourt. I attended the township primary
school, Oyibo for my primary education while I
went to Government Secondary, Oyibo for my
secondary education. As for my tertiary education,
I started out at Ladoke Akintola University of
Technology (LAUTECH) Ogbomoso where I was
studying Biochemistry. But when I developed my
talent as a fashion designer, I had to leave
LAUTECH for University of Lagos, UNILAG where I
started seeing things happen for me in my career.
Although I spent many years at LAUTECH, I think it
was a wise choice moving to UNILAG because it
exposed me to a lot of things. I started my career
in 2011 after leaving LAUTECH while studying a
science based course and was forced to begin my
university education afresh in Lagos having gained
admission to study Accounting. Interestingly as a
kid, I had enjoyed art based classes but due to
family pressure I went through school as a
science student. My decision to transit to
Accountancy was based on my belief that the
course would provide the best platform to fulfil my
vision as a fashion designer. And it wasn’t hard to
switch because I already had a combination of
science and arts courses in my O’Level.
How was it competing against other designers
who had trained abroad?
I really don’t believe that someone’s background
should be a limiting factor in how far one can go.
It’s all about what’s inside of you – so I think that
was what paved the way for me. During the
auditions, I saw a lot of guys come in with swag,
and I was challenged, amazed at some of the
designs but I wasn’t intimidated. Yea, they came
armed with fashion degrees from Paris, UK,
Vienna but they didn’t move me. When I showed
my brother what I was up against, we were just
laughing. It was like a David and Goliath situation.
Most of my friends just wished me all the best.
When I made the top ten shortlist, my close
friends told me that they won’t shout or celebrate
with me and that they only time they would rejoice
is when I am crowned winner. This is the extent of
belief and confidence which my close pals had in
me. This kept me going. I had no fashion
qualifications, whether local or international but I
believed in my work.
Since you are still in school, what’s your take on
the ASUU strike?
The ASUU strike has been a blessing for me. God
has a way of doing things. As a student of
UNILAG, if school was in session, it would have
been very difficult to find the time to participate in
the competition. I was apprehensive when the call
time came in because I submitted my application
two days before the closing date. Once I got the
invite to audition, I began to pray and ask God for
his help – make a way for me to win this
competition. And so when the strike was
announced, I was very happy as it would afford me
the chance to compete. While my friends were
groaning and complaining, I was thankful. Even
when there were rumours of the ending the strike,
I prayed that it would happen only after the show
was over and I was glad it happened for me.
Making the collection was stressful and it would
have been more demanding having to combine
preparing for the show with exams looming. God
bless ASUU. (General laughter)
What would have happened if you didn’t win?
It would have been a whole lot of shame for me
because I so much believed in myself and prayed
very hard for this show. I had the firm conviction
that if I was going to do the show, then it would
pave the way for me and as God would have it, my
fasting and prayer wasn’t in vain.
Did you get funding to start this business?
I started this business with ten thousand naira and
I wasn’t funded by anybody. The first order to
design a dress cost me ten thousand naira which
was the first capital for my business. I sent the
dress over to a dude in Abuja who placed the
order and till tomorrow, I still haven’t been paid. It
was a painful experience and so I had to start all
over again. I made and still make a lot of
sacrifices coupled with hard work.
What is the best advice you have ever received ?
My dad used to tell me that the ants usually gather
their food during summer and then in winter, all
they do is sit down, enjoy and eat. While staying
with my uncle, he would say to me every morning
that you must follow the early morning moon
wherever it goes, follow it. When the time comes
for you to enjoy, you will. My victory has inspired
a lot of my friends.
What would you do with the 4million naira from
MTN?
Well the money is not for Rodney Emeka. It
belongs to McMeka. It would be devoted to pushing
the brand.
What is the story behind your brand name,
McMeka?
Well my name is Rodney Emeka, so it was derived
from my native name. Mc gives it the British feel.
Are you married?
No. I am twenty six years old and happily single.
Has your boyfriend or girlfriend played any role in
all of this ?
Laughs. Girlfriend please. Well, she always
encourages me to keep my dream alive and she is
very understanding with my busy schedules. She
is very patient and inspires me a lot. We are two
different people who understand ourselves. We
have been through so many things together and
she knows what I’m capable of.
Is she into fashion and design ?
She likes fashion but she doesn’t design. She is
among my closest allies who are my backbone of
support and pillar of strength. When I was growing
up, my mom would usually call me to come and
examine her looks. I would check her out and say
mom I don’t like this. She is that kind of person
who I can call on.
What would you say about the MTN Young
Designer of the Year Award?
I think the initiative is a good one. I so much
appreciate the fact that the organisers of the LFDW
are working so hard to bring out young talents in
Nigeria’s fashion space. They are giving young
talents a voice. Josh, who won last year is doing
well. McMeka will also do well.
If we walk into your wardrobe, what are we likely
to find more?
Something that has the highest number in my
wardrobe will be… Shirts! Shirts! Shirts!
Are you a jewelry person, like blings, chain or
even wristwatches?
No. I love the minimalistic approach to my dress
sense.
What fashion item do you love so much that you
will love to have no matter how expensive?
That will be shoes and more shoes.
What are your favourite colours ?
I love colours like burgundy, orange and grey
Which car is your dream car?
Mercedes Benz G wagon.
What is your favourite food?
I love pounded yam and nsala soup of 10 lives.
of McMeka, won the MTN Young Designer of the
Year competition at the Lagos Fashion and Design
Week 2013. He runs McMeka, a Lagos based
menswear design label which solely focuses on
bespoke tailoring which he founded in Sept. 2011.
The young PH bred designer came up against
formidable names like Waneami, Diana aLa Vid
(DLV), Ayo Van Elmar, Reni Smith, Ladunni Lambo,
Sho by Adesola Obebe, Tumilla by Tumi Ladega,
Kenneth Ize and Siaiano who were also shortlisted
as finalists for the MTN Young Designer of the
Year. However, his hard work and resilience paid
off and he was crowned the winner. Continue to
see some of his designs....
Interview granted Awala of Exhilarate, below...
Tell me a little about yourself. Where are you
from? What's your educational background?
My name is Rodney Emeka Igwedinma and the
winner of MTN Young Designer of the Year award
2013. I am currently a student of University of
Lagos, studying Accounting. I am from Anambra
East Local government in Anambra state. I come
from a family of seven, of which I happen to be the
last born of the house. My parents are Ebenezer
and Monica Igwedinma. My dad is a retired civil
servant while my mom is a tailor and we are a
happy lot. Growing up, I schooled in Rivers state,
Port Harcourt. I attended the township primary
school, Oyibo for my primary education while I
went to Government Secondary, Oyibo for my
secondary education. As for my tertiary education,
I started out at Ladoke Akintola University of
Technology (LAUTECH) Ogbomoso where I was
studying Biochemistry. But when I developed my
talent as a fashion designer, I had to leave
LAUTECH for University of Lagos, UNILAG where I
started seeing things happen for me in my career.
Although I spent many years at LAUTECH, I think it
was a wise choice moving to UNILAG because it
exposed me to a lot of things. I started my career
in 2011 after leaving LAUTECH while studying a
science based course and was forced to begin my
university education afresh in Lagos having gained
admission to study Accounting. Interestingly as a
kid, I had enjoyed art based classes but due to
family pressure I went through school as a
science student. My decision to transit to
Accountancy was based on my belief that the
course would provide the best platform to fulfil my
vision as a fashion designer. And it wasn’t hard to
switch because I already had a combination of
science and arts courses in my O’Level.
How was it competing against other designers
who had trained abroad?
I really don’t believe that someone’s background
should be a limiting factor in how far one can go.
It’s all about what’s inside of you – so I think that
was what paved the way for me. During the
auditions, I saw a lot of guys come in with swag,
and I was challenged, amazed at some of the
designs but I wasn’t intimidated. Yea, they came
armed with fashion degrees from Paris, UK,
Vienna but they didn’t move me. When I showed
my brother what I was up against, we were just
laughing. It was like a David and Goliath situation.
Most of my friends just wished me all the best.
When I made the top ten shortlist, my close
friends told me that they won’t shout or celebrate
with me and that they only time they would rejoice
is when I am crowned winner. This is the extent of
belief and confidence which my close pals had in
me. This kept me going. I had no fashion
qualifications, whether local or international but I
believed in my work.
Since you are still in school, what’s your take on
the ASUU strike?
The ASUU strike has been a blessing for me. God
has a way of doing things. As a student of
UNILAG, if school was in session, it would have
been very difficult to find the time to participate in
the competition. I was apprehensive when the call
time came in because I submitted my application
two days before the closing date. Once I got the
invite to audition, I began to pray and ask God for
his help – make a way for me to win this
competition. And so when the strike was
announced, I was very happy as it would afford me
the chance to compete. While my friends were
groaning and complaining, I was thankful. Even
when there were rumours of the ending the strike,
I prayed that it would happen only after the show
was over and I was glad it happened for me.
Making the collection was stressful and it would
have been more demanding having to combine
preparing for the show with exams looming. God
bless ASUU. (General laughter)
What would have happened if you didn’t win?
It would have been a whole lot of shame for me
because I so much believed in myself and prayed
very hard for this show. I had the firm conviction
that if I was going to do the show, then it would
pave the way for me and as God would have it, my
fasting and prayer wasn’t in vain.
Did you get funding to start this business?
I started this business with ten thousand naira and
I wasn’t funded by anybody. The first order to
design a dress cost me ten thousand naira which
was the first capital for my business. I sent the
dress over to a dude in Abuja who placed the
order and till tomorrow, I still haven’t been paid. It
was a painful experience and so I had to start all
over again. I made and still make a lot of
sacrifices coupled with hard work.
What is the best advice you have ever received ?
My dad used to tell me that the ants usually gather
their food during summer and then in winter, all
they do is sit down, enjoy and eat. While staying
with my uncle, he would say to me every morning
that you must follow the early morning moon
wherever it goes, follow it. When the time comes
for you to enjoy, you will. My victory has inspired
a lot of my friends.
What would you do with the 4million naira from
MTN?
Well the money is not for Rodney Emeka. It
belongs to McMeka. It would be devoted to pushing
the brand.
What is the story behind your brand name,
McMeka?
Well my name is Rodney Emeka, so it was derived
from my native name. Mc gives it the British feel.
Are you married?
No. I am twenty six years old and happily single.
Has your boyfriend or girlfriend played any role in
all of this ?
Laughs. Girlfriend please. Well, she always
encourages me to keep my dream alive and she is
very understanding with my busy schedules. She
is very patient and inspires me a lot. We are two
different people who understand ourselves. We
have been through so many things together and
she knows what I’m capable of.
Is she into fashion and design ?
She likes fashion but she doesn’t design. She is
among my closest allies who are my backbone of
support and pillar of strength. When I was growing
up, my mom would usually call me to come and
examine her looks. I would check her out and say
mom I don’t like this. She is that kind of person
who I can call on.
What would you say about the MTN Young
Designer of the Year Award?
I think the initiative is a good one. I so much
appreciate the fact that the organisers of the LFDW
are working so hard to bring out young talents in
Nigeria’s fashion space. They are giving young
talents a voice. Josh, who won last year is doing
well. McMeka will also do well.
If we walk into your wardrobe, what are we likely
to find more?
Something that has the highest number in my
wardrobe will be… Shirts! Shirts! Shirts!
Are you a jewelry person, like blings, chain or
even wristwatches?
No. I love the minimalistic approach to my dress
sense.
What fashion item do you love so much that you
will love to have no matter how expensive?
That will be shoes and more shoes.
What are your favourite colours ?
I love colours like burgundy, orange and grey
Which car is your dream car?
Mercedes Benz G wagon.
What is your favourite food?
I love pounded yam and nsala soup of 10 lives.
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