An African success story: Togo's princesses of wax print

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A colourful, patterned fabric with cult status in Africa has become all the rage on this season’s catwalks. The wax-printed fabric is worth its weight in gold. In Togo, in the 1970s, a group of women nicknamed the "Nana Benz" made their fortune with it. Today, a new generation of "Nanettes", are taking up the mantle but they face new challenges trying to keep the business alive. Our reporters find out more about this African success story.
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[@aishabassala2682]

African print are not made by Africans. I was shocked to learn that too as an African.

[@vaciacoco689]

hello, basically the wax fabric comes from Indonesia, the manufacturing technique was imported from Holland which brought it to Africa, but the history in Africa is that textile manufacturers, craftsmen artists in Africa there were (and still are) for example the traditional woven kita fabric worn by kings, made of tribal patterns woven or painted, etc.. The Dutch were inspired or even copied the patterns (for example the dashiki from Ethiopia) the deal is that Africa brought its patterns, and the Dutch brought its patterns. a faster manufacturing and printing technique and in large quantities, this is how vlisco, for example, created its identity. This is why it is necessary that the African must pay attention to his culture and protect it, because today the white people dance, hairdressing and sing like the black people and in 250 years they will take credit for it.

[@Sheppesh]

This is great. I’ve got to get to Togo to visit this shop. Much respect!

[@claudiaowusuaduomi8371]

Please how do I order in bulk currently here in Ghana

[@joonamaaranen4390]

The Dutch adopted the batik wax print tradition from Indonesia, not Japan.

[@igcarism_atiqueclickmehh7001]

Javanese print as in Java which was the previous name of Indonesia 🤌🏾

[@tegaedwards]

Queens 😍

[@sabinegolding2950]

Where can one buy fabric from USA?

[@donnah5378]

Nice 👍🏾

[@Jexclusivepropertieslmt]

How do order am in Nigeria I want to order 300 pieces

[@1948sukie]

Beautiful fabrics

[@carolberridge6102]

Thanks for this very informative film. Lovely images.

[@lizzielove4217]

Do you guys shipping I want one

[@Jexclusivepropertieslmt]

How much is 6 yards for wax

[@koolblue6927]

So this fabric is all imported? Not made in Africa!

[@TheLordsArmyWannajoinWilson]

No link?

[@claudiaowusuaduomi8371]

Please I will like to work with you. Currently in Ghana how do I counicate with you to get in bulk to sell?

[@PAAKWAMEPAA]

genial trabajo mwanakwe

[@highandmightyqueen79]

great advert for Vlisco.

[@dorisdeyfashions]

I know, they are making money out of us. And our own people have no idea

[@miriamkwembe]

I think our situation is overly pathetic. "Our" cloth comes elsewhere? What a disgrace!

[@justChuka]

Thank you, China!

[@highandmightyqueen79]

fake china

[@dorisdeyfashions]

@@highandmightyqueen79 The are not fake, so are printed by Chinese, but Vlisco printed for China and send it back to Holland to make money on us wake up sleepy once.