BEHIND THE SEAMS – IAN KETEKU – EMCEE E

Taking words and using them in any form is what Ian Keteku does best. Not only a poet and champion of the 2010 World Poetry Slam, he is a musician and a journalist.

Also known as Emcee E, he is part of poetry troupe The Recipe who were in 2009, crowned the champions of the Canadian Festival of Spoken Word.

Using his voice as inspiration and to promote peace and critical thought, Keteku still finds time to teach poetry and writing workshops for youths and communities. Recently he was in Ottawa teaching a class to high school students.

He has worked with many musicians and his journalistic work has been featured in the CBC, Toronto Star and much more.

Saturday March 12, he will be in Calgary, performing at the 2011 ParkShow.

CF: What is your idea of fashion?

IK: I feel that fashion is an aesthetic representation of one’s mood, identity and moral.

CF: How do you define your personal style?

IK: I have never been able to define it myself but others have described it as; geek-chic, afro-hipster, old man swag.

CF: Do you think that your roots, whether through your heritage or from places you have lived or have been to, have helped your style evolve?

IK: Absolutely. I mean I was born in Calgary so you can see a great deal of tan and browns in my closet, I’ve been known to rock a cowboy hat from time to time. But I’ve also lived and visited many countries in Africa and that influences my style. Perhaps in ways one might not think. For example, in Africa people dress-up for anything and everything; church, school, work, or even just going to the market. My parents always insisted that I look presentable when stepping out of the house. Whatever that means.

CF: How do you think your current creative environment influences your style?

IK: Being a poet and musician influences my style heavily. Everything from my plethora of hats, beatnik caps, revolutionary branded jackets and t-shirts, skinny ties and my signature large-framed glasses has its roots in my understanding of being an artist.

CF: Do you believe that the art of fashion has the ability to transcend the limitations we might perceive for those living in Third World countries?

IK: I think there is an assumption that there are limitations in what we call third world countries. I mean fashion, textiles and the art of fashion have been ingrained in many African and Asian cultures before the “Western World” even existed. In Ghana particularly, clothes can represent royalty, mood, an event and has a deep richness rooted in ancestral reverence and spirituality.

CF: You say that your poetry/music is “critical oratory” and that your calling is to be a voice for the voiceless. Do you think that you could have the same effect with fashion?

IK: Yes, to a certain extent. I mean if I am wearing a shirt adorning the face of Kwame Nkrumah, or an aboriginal chief I am making a statement. It might not be as bold as spoken word but a statement nonetheless.

CF: Do you think that your personal style reflects your artistic styles, within your music, poetry, and writing?

IK: For sure. I am sometimes seen as goofy, funny, loud and vibrant and eclectic in my art. So similarly, I wear bright colours, many hats, scarves, etc. All under a rubric of chic.

CF: What do you enjoy most about the fashion world?

IK: The unnecessary hype, it is like the stock market.

CF: If any, who is your inspiration when it comes to style?

Others think I borrow style from Will I Am, Mos Def, Andre 3000 BUT I am more inspired by Thelonious Monk, Sammy Davis Jr. and university professors.

CF: If you have one, which designer is your current favorite?

IK: I am a big fan of local designers and Calgary’s Adejoké Taiwo is making some big moves.

CF: What colors or patterns do you find yourself attracted to?

IK: Purple. Starbux special blends, all black everything.

CF: Where is your favorite place to shop?

IK: Overseas. Montreal vintage shops. My mother’s closet.

CF: What is your favorite trend right now?

IK: Men rocking ties again, that’s nice. Military garb, we are in a time of revolution and I think it is appropriate. Out with the sweatpants at universities, that was wack. Large glasses (because I started it, just joking… Not really)

CF: What trend would you particularly like to see flourish?

IK: I would like to see people make some more bold choices in their style. Military gear, more asymmetrical tops. Winter styles should also incorporate more experimentation, IMO. I also want to see a resurgence of those necklaces with live goldfish in them.

CF: Do you have a personal trend that you would love to ‘set’?

IK: Hahahah, I think I’ve set many already but that is just my own ego talking. I think political textiles meaning clothing that says things everyone is thinking but too afraid to say. I cannot say much more for fear of it being bitten. However, I’ll let you guys know when I debut it. Perhaps the next ParkShow.

CF: As fashion is a realm of experimentation, were there any moments of regret in terms of falling into a fashion faux-pas?

IK: I think fashion is about experimentation and mistakes. So I don’t think there are any moments of regret. All you have to do is wait a decade and those “previous mistakes” become the latest trend.

CF: What is your signature piece or look?

IK: You can usually catch me with black dress shoes, a black jacket, some graphic t-shirt, a collared shirt and a fedora. Oh and my glasses.

CF: What is a fashion staple in your wardrobe?

IK: I never leave home without my spectacles. Not only because I think they are cool but also because they are necessary for my vision. I used to rock large Armani black frame sun-glasses. I poked out the lenses and replaced them with my prescription transition lenses (they turn into sunglasses outside.) They are a translucent brown with a faint coffee table pattern. The inside is splattered with sparkles. Nice.

What is the best fashion advice that you have been given and from whom?

“Trends started by people who don’t follow them.” Keisha Monique Simpson (Toronto based poet).

Do you believe that fashion or the development of style can create a sense of oneness in the world?

No. Isn’t the point of fashion, individuality? Well, I take that back, if we all wear the same uniform then maybe. Actually no, I was teaching in a high-school last week where the students wear uniforms. In an attempt to break out from the conformity girls were hemming their skirts and boys were popping their collars.

So I maintain my first answer, no.

For more on Ian Keteku please visit http://www.ianketeku.com

For more on Park Show please visit http://www.ourparkonline.com