Visual Storyteller | Walking Artiste | Model | Culture & Brand Influencer
Hello! I'm Samuel Glenn Semakor, also known as GlennSamm. I consider myself a walking artiste who showcases his visual artistry through fashion. As an African fashion enthusiast, I believe that fashion should reflect one's indigenous African beliefs and culture, and I'm passionate about promoting this idea through my costumes. I've made cameo appearances in various music videos, including Fuse ODG's "New African Girl" featuring KiDi x Kuami Eugene, Manuel Nonobada's "Every Day," Bisa Kdei featuring Adekunle Gold's "Adiza," Wakayna's "African Nice," and EpiXode's "Wahala Dey." To promote contemporary African fashion, I founded KvngsOfTheNewSchool, a movement that embraces Afrocentric and Afrofuturist-inspired creativity. This all-inclusive group of models gained international recognition after being featured in a BBC Africa documentary following their unique appearances at Afrochella, a music celebration in Ghana, in 2018. I've collaborated with several fashion brands, including Rek Clothing, Kasaman Fashion, Caveman Watches, Jameson Scotch Whiskey, Johnnie Walker, and Balona Non-Dairy Milk. Apart from being a fashion enthusiast, I also run an entertainment blog called eboxafrica and work as a public relations specialist for various entertainment personalities, such as Ice Prince, Ben Pol, Kamo Smash, Selasie Musiq, Eye Judah, DXD, Stonebwoy, Wakayna, and Jah Phinga. I attended Exopa Modeling School and furthered my studies in Graphic and Web Designing at IPMC in 2011. I started my basic education at Celestial School Complex in Ashaiman and completed my second cycle education in 2006 at Sogakofe Senior High School, where I studied Visual Arts. I come from Keta in the Volta Region, and I currently reside in Ashaiman, a suburb in the national capital of Greater Accra region, with my family of five. My philosophy on the fashion industry is that it takes more than just good looks to succeed. You must also have a unique personality that satisfies the fashion directors' requirements. Fashion is not only about physical qualities, such as being tall or having attractive features; it requires hard work and dedication. In 2021, I was featured in the biggest art, culture, and music festival in Ghana called AFROCHELLA, where I staged my Made In Africa installation.
In November 2022, I founded the Tsadidi Street Art Festival, a street art festival aimed at promoting hidden, diverse, specific, and unadulterated arts through paintings, rich cultural and tourism. Tsadidi, which means "Roaming" in Ewe, is set to become a prominent cultural and tourism event in Ghana. I've received several awards and recognitions, including Fashion Influencer of the Year at the Pulse Ghana Influencers Award 2022, Commercial Model of the Year at Ghana Style Award 2021, Personality of the Year at Volta Fashion Awards 2020, and Fashion Personality of the Year at Youth Excellence Awards 2019. My work has been featured in various publications, such as Graphic Showbiz, Vogue Magazine, BBC Africa, and Forbes. I've also influenced and worked with several brands, including Cavemen Watches, Jameson Scotch Whiskey, Balona Non-Dairy Milk, Johnnie Walker, and Star Beer. Aside from my fashion work, I've made cameo appearances in several music videos, including Fuse ODG ft KiDi x Kuami Eugene's "New African Girl," Bisa Kdei ft Adekunle Gold's "Adiza," Wakayna's - Africa Nice, Epixode - Wahala Dey, PaaKofi Hendrix ft Sandra Amanor - Can’t Explain.
One of my proudest achievements was the establishment of KvngsOfTheNewSchool, a contemporary African fashion movement that celebrates the richness of our cultural heritage and promotes African fashion to the world. As a walking artist, I have always been passionate about the intersection of fashion, art, and culture, and KvngsOfTheNewSchool was the perfect platform for me to express this passion. I am also very proud of my work in promoting street art and culture through the Tsadidi Street Art Festival. The festival is aimed at promoting hidden, diverse specific, and unadulterated arts through paintings, rich cultural, and tourism. It gives a platform to talented artists who might not have had the opportunity to showcase their work otherwise.
***picture: (giving back to my community)
As someone who grew up in a family of five in Keta, in the Volta Region, I am acutely aware of the challenges that many young people face in pursuing their dreams. That is why I have always been committed to using my platform to uplift and inspire others. Whether it is through my work with emerging musicians or my advocacy for African fashion and culture, I believe that we all have a responsibility to make a positive impact in our communities. Looking ahead, I am excited to continue pushing the boundaries of African fashion and culture through my work as a designer and visual artist. I believe that our unique cultural heritage is a source of strength and inspiration, and I am committed to promoting it to the world in innovative and creative ways.
What were the biggest initial hurdles you faced and how did you overcome them?
As someone who has been in the fashion industry for quite some time, I faced several challenges in the early stages of my career. One of the biggest hurdles I faced was trying to break into the industry and gain recognition for my work. It was challenging to get my work noticed, especially because I was promoting African fashion, which was not yet mainstream at the time. Another challenge I faced was funding my projects and events. It was tough to finance my ideas and bring them to life, especially since I was still relatively unknown in the industry. To overcome these challenges, I focused on building a strong network and working hard to create unique designs and concepts that would set me apart from others in the industry. I also sought out collaborations with other creatives and brands to help gain exposure for my work. I also had to learn how to be resourceful and creative in my approach to funding my projects. Ultimately, it took a lot of perseverance and hard work, but I am proud of the progress I have made so far and grateful for the opportunities that have come my way.
What advice do you have for young people locally and internationally who are just starting out in their careers or pursuing their passions?
To all the young people out there, my advice is simple - follow your passion and be persistent. Pursuing a career in any field can be challenging, but it is especially true when you are trying to break into a competitive industry like fashion. However, it is essential to remain focused and keep working hard towards your goals.
It is important to invest time in learning your craft and honing your skills. Take every opportunity to learn from others in your industry, attend workshops and conferences, and explore new techniques and ideas. This will help you grow as an individual and develop your unique style.
Another piece of advice is to build strong networks and relationships with other creatives in your industry. Collaboration is key to success, and by working with other people, you can learn new skills, share ideas and get your work noticed.
Lastly, don't be afraid to take risks and be bold in your ideas. Be confident in yourself and your work, and always be open to constructive criticism. Remember, success doesn't happen overnight, so be patient, work hard, and stay true to your vision.
Social Media Handles:
Facebook | Twitter | TikTok | Instagram: @glennsamm
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/glennsamm