G STAR X NDUDUZO MAKHATHINI: “We’re telling stories with every note and every stitch.”

Apparently, denim fabric traces its roots back to 17th-century Nîmes, France, where it was originally called *serge de Nîmes. This sturdy twill weave, made from a mixture of cotton and linen, was first used for practical applications like sails and tents. Fast-forward a few centuries, and G-Star RAW was founded in the late 1980s in Amsterdam.

So, why am I talking about the origins of denim in relation to the collaboration between G-Star RAW and award-winning South African jazz pianist and composer Nduduzo Makhathini? It might seem obvious or maybe even a little on the nose, but I firmly believe that origins matter. They shape the trajectory of everything that follows.

Standing in the audience (in dire pain from the heels I was wearing) and listening to Nandi Dlepu’s beautiful introduction of the man of the hour, I was struck by something Nduduzo said. He spoke about the origins of the word abantu, explaining that “ab-” indicates plurality, while “-ntu” refers to the root meaning “human” or “person.” (If you’ve ever listened to Nduduzo speak, you know he loves a good explanation.)

The origins of these words are rooted in the beauty of collaboration of elements that speak to what happens when we come together as abantu to create together and similarly, this collaboration isn’t just about fashion; it’s about creative integrity. It’s a conversation between two forces who believe that what you wear, like what you create, should say something real.

Known for his spiritual approach to music and a sound that is both grounded and transcendent, Makhathini brings a new energy to the G-Star narrative, one rooted in heritage, rhythm, and a kind of originality that can’t be manufactured. “G-Star isn’t just about fashion; it’s about intention, identity, and creative defiance,” says Nduduzo Makhathini. “That speaks to me. My music is a search for truth, a reflection of memory and movement. G-Star approaches craftsmanship the same way with structure, feeling, and an unapologetic point of view. This collaboration isn’t just visual; it’s spiritual. We’re telling stories with every note and every stitch.”

“We’re proud to collaborate with one of South Africa’s most culturally resonant artists,” says Wedaad Lima, Marketing Manager at G-Star South Africa. “Nduduzo represents a generation of creative leaders fearless, original, and deeply connected to their roots. At G-Star, we don’t chase trends. We align with voices that define the now and shape the future. This collaboration is exactly that.”

This partnership redefines what denim can stand for. With Nduduzo Makhathini, G-Star steps into a space where fashion, music, and identity collide unapologetically and without compromise.

It’s bold. It’s intentional. It’s everything G-Star stands for: challenging the norm, rewriting the rules, and turning creativity into a statement.