Rabadaba
Rabadaba speaks out on his obsession with for expensive clothes
MY STYLE. Rabadaba’s fashion sense cannot go unnoticed. Back in the day, the musician always tied a red bandanna on his legs to stand out but not anymore. ISAAC SSEJJOMBWE caught up with him to discuss his style.
If style were a car, what would you be?
I would probably be a BMW X6. Because it is classy, elegant, exquisite and expensive.
Who is your favourite designer?
I do not have a favourite designer. I work around what is trending, but I am inclined towards Louis Vuitton (LV), Gucci and Off-White.
What items do you have that are LV or Gucci?
LV belts, jeans, bags, shoes, Gucci shoes, shirts, sweat shirts, sweat pants and jeans.
Where do you shop your outfits from?
Online. I have a personal stylist who handles my wardrobe.
On average, how much do you spend buying stuff online?
This is the dot com era. It is not expensive at all. You see something on Instagram you like it, you call the number and it gets delivered. As simple as that. I cannot really tell a figure.
When did you buy your first outfit and from where?
I do not remember the exact year but I was a teenager, I bought a pair of FILA jeans and shirt with some FILA shoes from Pioneer Mall on Kampala Road.
How much did they cost you?
It was somewhere about Shs45,000.
How much do you spend on clothes in a month?
I would not know how much because my stylist handles that. But it cannot be the same figure every month.
How do you tell a good outfit?
I just look at it. There are things I can wear and there are those I cannot.
So, what can’t you wear?
Shiny suits that make guys look like astronauts are ridiculous.
Baggy or skinny pants?
Baggy is out of fashion but I do not do very skinny pants I prefer fitting ones.
What is your health routine?
I get a full body check-up every year and I go to the gym to keep fit. I lift some weights and do aerobics, then go for a massage.
Being a gym person, what foods do you eat to stay in shape?
To keep in shape, diet takes up 80 per cent and the gym only adds 20 per cent. You have to beef up your meals and drink lots of water. I eat eggs, Irish potatoes, milk and other balanced diet meals.
What is the cheapest outfit you have ever bought?
None that I know of.
How come?
I do not like cheap things because they are common and do not last.
What is the most expensive item in your wardrobe and how much did it cost?
I cannot say. People will judge me.
For how long can you own a pair of jeans?
I cannot own a pair of jeans for more than a year. I give them out after eight months.
Your hot fashion tip?
Staying fresh is a must for me. You can never be overdressed, but do not wear too much stuff. Less is more. I try as much as possible to stay classy.
How often do you have your dreadlocks treated?
I have my dreadlocks treated twice a month.
How much do you spend on that?
Hair treatment costs between Shs40,000 to Shs60,000 while I spend Shs20,000 for the shave.
Fashion tips
Before leaving the house, I make sure my look is on point. I must have all my accessories.
I cannot leave the house without a watch, necklace and rings.
What is your favorite watch brand?
Rolex is my favourite brand but I also like Rado and Montblanc.