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Ugo Mozie: The African Stylist Redefining Global Fashion | Afropolitan Podcast

In this powerful, intimate conversation, global fashion innovator Ugo Mozie opens up like never before. From surviving a family massacre in Nigeria to styling icons like Chris Brown and Justin Bieber, Ugo shares the spiritual clarity, cultural pride, and emotional depth behind his extraordinary journey.

We unpack the cost of fame, the hidden racism in high fashion, the power of African craftsmanship, and how Ugo’s brand Eleven Sixteen is building legacy through storytelling. This is not just an interview—it’s a blueprint for creative sovereignty.

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📍 CHAPTERS
00:00 – Intro
01:30 – Fashion in Africa is not a trend
02:44 – Growing up in Nigeria & escaping political violence
06:12 – The tragic event that changed everything
08:30 – Processing trauma, finding purpose
10:30 – Returning to Nigeria despite the past
12:59 – Racism in Texas, assimilation, and identity
15:59 – Moving to New York at 17: the dream vs. the hustle
19:30 – Getting kicked out of housing for being Black
23:30 – Interning at Virgin, faking college, and rising fast
27:10 – From intern to celebrity stylist at 18
28:50 – Paris as a turning point: learning the industry
31:40 – Building trust in fashion, even in racist systems
36:10 – The story behind Justin Bieber’s Met Gala look
40:14 – Chris Brown as first pivotal client
42:00 – Why African creatives need unity & team trust
44:30 – Quality control and training in Nigeria
48:30 – Why he built his atelier in Lagos
50:30 – Making the Benin bronze cowboy belt
52:30 – Staying authentic in an industry of expectations
56:20 – Building Eleven Sixteen : A fashion house for the world
58:20 – Dressing Diana Ross for the Met Gala (cut per note)
60:00 – Losing a client, gaining divine redirection
63:00 – Why gratitude speeds up your blessing
65:10 – Unlearning the open-door policy, protecting peace
68:00 – What’s next for African fashion
70:30 – Clients expecting culture from Ugo
73:00 – AMVCA vs Met Gala: our fashion is world-class
76:00 – Ugo’s vision for African Fashion Awards
78:00 – What Eleven Sixteen will become: global, educational, rooted
80:00 – Why African fashion isn’t rooted in slavery
82:00 – Most meaningful gift: permission to be himself
84:00 – Dream Met Gala theme: African Royalty
85:30 – Ritual before big moments: prayer & fasting
86:30 – What keeps Ugo grounded: purpose > moments
90:30 – Ugo’s graduation: stepping into full purpose
92:00 – Who Ugo wants next: artist Kehinde Wiley