5 Kasi-Owned Brands Making Waves in Joburg

5 Kasi-Owned Brands Making Waves in Joburg

By Noko Maleka | Insight Jozi News

Young kasi entrepreneurs showcasing fashion brand

In a world where big brands dominate billboards and shopping malls, kasi-owned businesses are proving that true style and success start from the streets. Johannesburg is buzzing with homegrown entrepreneurs redefining fashion, lifestyle, and culture — straight from the hood.

Here are five rising black-owned brands from Joburg’s townships that are not just surviving — they’re setting trends and turning heads.

1. Urban Zulu (Yeoville to the World)

Founded by Papy Kaluw, Urban Zulu blends African aesthetics with modern streetwear. From Yeoville to Paris Fashion Week, this brand proudly says, “Local is luxurious.” Celebs like Zahara and DJ Sbu have worn Urban Zulu on red carpets and runways.

2. Tshepo Jeans (From Maboneng to Royalty)

Tshepo Mohlala turned denim dreams into reality with Tshepo Jeans — a proudly South African denim label loved for its fit, quality, and local touch. Even Meghan Markle owns a pair. His store in Victoria Yards is a Joburg gem for denim lovers.

3. Bathu (Sneaker Game Changer)

From selling shoes out of a car boot to running flagship stores across SA, Theo Baloyi built Bathu into one of the most inspiring township-born brands. Known for its mesh design and kasi credibility, Bathu is about walking your own story.

4. Kasi Flava Clothing (Soweto Swagger)

Bold prints, street slang, and raw Jozi attitude — Kasi Flava speaks the language of the township. Their hoodies and T-shirts can be spotted from Bara to Braam. It’s not just fashion — it’s a lifestyle statement rooted in Soweto’s street culture.

5. Loxion Kulca (Still Holding the Crown)

One of SA’s original streetwear brands, Loxion Kulca defined kasi fashion before hashtags existed. And now, the brand is making a comeback with fresh drops and collabs, staying true to its roots while embracing new generations of Jozi youth.

Partner with Insight Jozi News

Are you a kasi brand looking to reach Joburg’s youth, fashion lovers, and community movers?

Click here to advertise or email us at insightjozinews@gmail.com

Final Word

While big brands pour millions into marketing, these kasi-born labels are using authenticity, community, and hustle to win hearts. They remind us that Jozi doesn’t follow global trends — it creates them.

Know a kasi brand worth featuring? DM us on Instagram @InsightJoziNews or WhatsApp us your story!

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

From Accra to Auckland Park: Clifford Adu’s Rise as Africa’s Storytelling Powerhouse

Image
From Accra to Auckland Park: Clifford Adu’s Rise as Africa’s Storytelling Powerhouse Insight Jozi news In today’s rapidly evolving media landscape,  Clifford Samuel Adu  stands out as a creative trailblazer. The Ghanaian-born broadcasting technician, producer, and storyteller has made Johannesburg his canvas, building a production empire that puts  authentic African narratives  front and center. Through his company,  Afrika Tumi Productions , Cliff is bringing African stories to the world—from heartbreaking tales of betrayal to the rhythmic beats of African youth culture. His work is not only powerful; it’s deeply personal and widely impactful. Betrayal: Turning Pain into Powerful Storytelling Cliff is the creative mind behind  “Betrayal” , an emotionally intense podcast and video series available on YouTube. Each episode explores real stories of hurt, trust broken, and emotional healing. The series has touched many, earning Cliff a growing foll...
Read more

From Backyard to Breakthrough: How Noko Moholane's Farm Dreams Are Blossoming Despite Government Neglect

Image
From Backyard to Breakthrough: How Noko Moholane's Farm Dreams Are Blossoming Despite Government Neglect By Noko Mabofa Maleka | Insight Jozi News In the heart of Moletjie, Limpopo, where the sun scorches dry soil and hope often battles hardship, a young man named Noko Moholane is quietly rewriting the story of rural agriculture in South Africa. Armed with a Bachelor of Agriculture degree from the University of Limpopo , Noko was filled with dreams of cultivating the land, feeding communities, and becoming a contributor to South Africa’s food security. But what he wasn’t prepared for was the silent war he would face after graduation — a war against a lack of support, a shortage of land, and the deafening silence of a government that claims to champion agricultural development. “After finishing my degree, I applied for land, I knocked on every door — but nothing. Not even a response,” says Moholane. “Eventually I realized I had to start where I was, with what I had — my ya...
Read more

Rape Is the Symptom, Systemic Failure Is the Disease”

Rape Is a Symptom of Systemic Failure By Noko wa gaMaleka | 15 April 2025 | Joburg News Matatiele, Eastern Cape – A sweeping wave of public outcry has gripped the Eastern Cape after the National Men’s Forums of South Africa, alongside a coalition of civil society organizations, filed a formal petition demanding urgent intervention in child abuse cases that have shaken the Matatiele and Maluti regions. The petition, delivered to authorities at the Matatiele Police Station on April 5, paints a disturbing portrait of what activists are calling a “systemic failure” to protect children—failures by educators, law enforcement, and social services alike. At the centre of this outcry is the widely reported and heartbreaking case of Cwecwe (not her real name), a young girl who was allegedly raped on her school premises. The incident sparked a social media storm, drawing both national media coverage and fierce public reaction. However, the petition challenges the completeness of the narra...
Read more