This past weekend, BLUEPRINT: Connecting Africa proudly hosted Ghana’s trailblazing streetwear brand, Free The Youth, for their first-ever visit to Nairobi.

Over three unforgettable days, we curated a powerful lineup of events to introduce them to the Kenyan market and immerse them in Nairobi’s vibrant creative scene. From industry dinners to cultural exchanges and a buzzing public pop-up, we laid the groundwork for future Pan-African collaboration and growth.

Day 1: Industry Dinner

Day one kicked off with an intimate dinner bringing together leading voices from Kenya’s creative industry. The evening sparked meaningful conversations around growth, collaboration, and sustainability within the Pan-African creative economy. At BLUEPRINT, we believe in the power of community and that by working together, we can build a thriving, self-sustaining creative ecosystem on the continent.

Day 2: Pre Pop Up

Day two was all about connection and celebration. We hosted a special pre-pop-up experience where our cohort of 13 brand owners had the rare opportunity to engage in one-on-one conversations with the founders of Free The Youth—diving deep into the realities of building a successful streetwear brand in Africa. We also welcomed media partners and close friends of BLUEPRINT for an evening of dancing, shopping, and anticipation as we geared up for the big public event on the 31st.

Day 3: Pop Up

Day three was a full-blown celebration of streetwear, culture, and community. We opened our doors to the public at Shah House in Ngara—and Nairobi showed up. The space overflowed with energy as music spilled onto the streets, friends turned into family, and the spirit of collaboration was alive in every corner. It was a vibrant day of shopping, storytelling, and shared passion, capturing exactly what Pan-African creative exchange should feel like.

Day 4: Workshop in Collaboration with Free the Youth and Studio 18.

We wrapped up on day four with creativity in motion. Partnering with Studio 18, we brought collaboration and education to life through an interactive workshop. Guests stepped into the role of designer, creating their own T-shirts using a variety of graphics and heat-press options. It was a day of playful exploration—seeing how people express themselves and what cool means through their eyes reminded us just how personal and powerful streetwear can be.