Two Minds, One Vision

They say two heads are always better than one, but what about two creative minds that happen to be twins?

Meet Matty and Mathew Kambudu – a dynamic duo that’s slowly infiltrating the fashion and entertainment industry.

One is a model and budding entrepreneur, the other a graphic designer and IT technician.

Combined, they are creative directors and visual stylists, and they are a force to be reckoned with.

The two collaborate on multiple ventures, including the marketing of Matty’s male skin- and beardcare line, Big Kulu Grooming and Mathew’s recent visual work for events such as Windhoek Fashion Week and local movie ‘Ompata’.

We dive into their journey, their inspirations, and how they balance it all.

Anne: How did you both get started in the entertainment industry?
Matty: I grew up being told ‘you should model’. Then I was like ‘okay, let me do this’. From there I interned for the Windhoek Fashion Week team and then joined the team officially. As I grew in my role I was able to bring my brother in as a graphic designer/creative director, so that’s where some of the collaboration happens.

Anne: What are some of the projects you’ve both worked on that you’re most proud of, and why?
Mathew: As a graphic designer, I have worked on various projects, ranging from local businesses to entertainment events. These include the Standard Bank Waka Kids Choice Awards, Zuriel by Luis Munana at MTC Windhoek Fashion Week, local production ‘Ompata’ and their merchandise, as well as the Oriege Festival. These projects gave me the opportunity to take on full productions and collaborate with other creatives to bring ideas to life.

Matty: Some of my favourite projects have been running my enterprise Big Kulu Grooming as part of the organisation of the MTC Windhoek Fashion Week, being in the latest MTC Aweh campaign, and being part of the ‘Fashion Meets Sound’ roadshow.

Anne: How do you approach working on a project together, and what are some of the challenges and benefits of working with a sibling?
Mathew: Working on projects together, my brother and I divide our tasks based on our strengths. As a graphic designer, I focus on the visual elements, while my brother handles the project direction with his team. Sometimes we face challenges in ensuring that our ideas align, but being siblings, we have the advantage of understanding each other’s strengths and complementing them to achieve the project’s end goal.

Anne: Matty, as a retailer of men’s grooming products, what do you hope to achieve?
Matty: I’m hoping to one day have a gentlemen’s club. That’s my target. I want to host gentlemen for all their grooming needs, and push the ‘cleanboys worldwide’ narrative locally.

Anne: How do you two stay inspired and motivated in your creative work, especially when faced with challenges or setbacks?
Mathew: As a graphic designer, staying inspired and motivated can be challenging, especially when faced with setbacks or creative blocks. To overcome this, I often seek inspiration from various sources like art or music, and even everyday life experiences. I also collaborate with other creatives, and engage in continuous learning to stay updated on design trends.

Matty: I try to reset. I embrace any creative block as part of the process. I let it be and then go back to the drawing board.
Anne: How do you balance your individual creative interests and goals with your collaborative work as twins?
Matty: We understand each other’s roles and strong points and allow whomever is best at what is required to do what they have to do and let it happen, with the assistance of the other.

Anne: Lastly, what are some of the biggest misconceptions people have about working in the entertainment industry, and how do you hope to change those perceptions through your work?
Matty: One of the biggest misconceptions is that it isn’t lucrative, however, it very much is. I always say bookings are more important than clout. The key to getting your bag in the industry is to remain consistent, put out your work, approach corporate companies, and have a structured plan.

– Anne Hambuda is a poet, writer and social commentator. Follow her online or email her at annehambuda@gmail.com for more.