Sports Club N'3
Since this was our first fully comprehensive collection, we wanted to zoom into our very own roots and tell the stories that are often neglected or forgotten on the global scale. Therefore we made the project about telling the stories of those who are often overlooked, the people whose voices deserve to be heard. Through this project, we’re embracing our communities, giving life to our dreams, struggles, and triumphs. 3WB isn’t just fabric and thread—it’s a canvas for the dreams of the next generation, stitched together by the spirit of unity and strength in our third-world roots.
With this collection, we started our creative process by asking: what does it mean to be a third-world baby in the status quo? We came up with the sports collection because , just like sports, being a third-world baby requires constant movement and resilience.
Since this was our first fully comprehensive collection, we wanted to zoom into our very own roots and tell the stories that are often neglected or forgotten on the global scale. Therefore we made the project about telling the stories of those who are often overlooked, the people whose voices deserve to be heard. Through this project, we’re embracing our communities, giving life to our dreams, struggles, and triumphs. 3WB isn’t just fabric and thread—it’s a canvas for the dreams of the next generation, stitched together by the spirit of unity and strength in our third-world roots.
B.U.I.L.D - NGO FOR AFRICA’S GRASSROOT SPORTS
We believe that fashion isn’t just about showcasing culture; it’s about contributing to the communities that inspire us. Too often, brands highlight the resources and beauty of a place, only to leave once the story has been told—an all-too-familiar pattern in history. We wanted to break that cycle by giving back in a meaningful way. For our Sports Club N3 collection, we partnered with BUILD Sports Africa, an organization dedicated to supporting African youth through sports and education.
BUILD helps talented young athletes, many of whom come from disadvantaged backgrounds, gain access to scholarships, resources, and professional sports opportunities. Their mission aligns perfectly with our vision of elevating the voices and potential of the next generation.
We wanted to tell the story of these young athletes who, like many Third World Babies, are balancing between hardship and hope. We focused on one of these athletes, Wade, a child who moved from Sudan to Nairobi to follow his dream of playing basketball. Through our short film, we followed Wade’s daily routine—his runs to training, the meals he shares, his dreams, and the struggles he faces along the way. It was important for us to show every layer of his life because it mirrors the reality of so many Third World Babies who strive to build a better future despite the challenges they face. To amplify the authenticity, we shot the entire film in 4K using the BOLEX H16 EL camera, a vintage piece of equipment that added a raw, timeless feel to his story.
To further support BUILD, we agreed with their founder, Marcel Awori, to donate a percentage of the profits from our jacket sales to the organization. Additionally, we ensured that the team members who contributed to the collection are directly supported.
COLLABORATION WITH NAIROBI’S CREATIVES
To add another layer of storytelling to our Sports Club N3 collection, we collaborated with some of Kenya’s most talented creatives. This collaboration wasn’t just about marketing our pieces but also about giving these artists a platform to express their stories through their craft. We created short cinematic reels of each artist using a Blackmagic camera, capturing their essence both on film and in photographs.
Alpha Odh
Alpha Odh, an expressionist painter whose work draws heavily from his upbringing in Kibera. His work is a social commentary on urban existence, layering metaphors and symbolism to depict the struggles and joys of life in Nairobi. Inspired by artists such as Jean-Michel Basquiat and Andy Warhol, Alpha is passionate about making art more accessible in Kenya, advocating for public engagement with art. His vibrant and chaotic pieces reflect the intersection of culture, identity, and resilience, much like the values we embody at Third World Baby.
For this project, Alpha took us through his creative process, sharing the story behind one of his latest works. When we told him about the BUILD collaboration, he was extremely generous and agreed to paint a live piece during one of the basketball games we shot for the short film. This painting, filled with layers of symbolism and raw emotion, captured the energy of the game and the hope that the children embody. Alpha has since agreed to auction the painting, with all proceeds going to the BUILD NGO, further cementing his commitment to giving back to the community.
BIG YASA
One of Kenya’s most exciting rappers and artists, Big Yasa quickly became one of the core faces of this collection. From the moment we met him, his charismatic energy was contagious, and he naturally embodied the spirit of Third World Baby. As luck would have it, Yasa was about to release a new album during our time in Nairobi. Seizing the moment, we turned his shoot into an impromptu listening party on the streets of Kibera—Africa’s largest slum.
We set up a large bus with lights, where Yasa and his crew, MAD CLAN, performed on top, creating an electric atmosphere for the community. Within minutes, crowds gathered, and it became clear just how much Yasa resonates with the people. He’s truly a man of the people, doing so much for his community, which made him a perfect fit for this collection. His dedication to giving back and connecting with his roots aligns seamlessly with the values of Third World Baby.
MAYA AMOLO & ZOWIE KENGOCHA
We also worked with two incredibly talented singer-songwriters from Nairobi, Maya Amolo and Zowie Kengocha. Both of these women have made a name for themselves, with Maya even holding the number one spot on Apple Music's Top 100 and both artists featured on COLORSxSTUDIO show episodes. Their natural voices, raw and authentic, mirror the essence of Third World Baby—where individuality and expression are celebrated. For Maya, we did a shoot in a vibrant colored hair salon, creating an authentic colored shoot with raw elements of Nairobi’s local scene.
For Zowie, we had another shoot for a more metaphorical piece in a field surrounded by acacia trees, wearing our signature baby tees. The acacia tree, known for its deep roots and resilience, were used to show Maya and Zowie’s cultural impact deeply embedded into Nairobi’s creative scene.
12'0CLOCK BOYZ
12 O’ClockBoyz, who are not only known for their music as some members of Kenya's biggest rap group Buruklyn Boyz—but also for their incredible biking stunts across the streets of Nairobi. What makes 12OClockBoyz truly special is the way they inspire and engage with the community. Kids of all ages look up to them, often learning tricks and biking alongside them across Nairobi. On any given day, you'll see groups of 20-30 young people riding through the streets with the 12OClockBoyz, feeling a sense of belonging and creativity as they’re welcomed into this dynamic community.
For the shoot, we wanted to capture this energy, so we filmed an action-packed reel where we rode with the 12OClockBoyz around various parts of Nairobi, capturing their bike tricks and the raw scenery of the streets of Nairobi. The reel is a perfect blend of movement, scenery, and fashion, highlighting not only their talent but also the sense of togetherness and creativity that they bring to the youth in Nairobi.
Honorable Mentions
This project wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible contributions of the Nairobi creatives, athletes, and community members who brought our vision to life. A special thank you to Philip Koth, José R. San Martin, and Ismail Fangary—their immense dedication and effort made this dream a reality.