Jamaican actor Kevoy Burton takes Ghana by (fashion) storm

Born and raised in Jamaica, actor, television personality and marketing specialist Kevoy Burton, who currently resides in Ghana, wanted to make trends by designing graphic T-shirts.

His plan was to remix his popular phrase 'Gyal dem oxtail and broad bean' to 'Gyal Dem Waakye' (Ghanaian dish of cooked rice and beans), paying homage to both homes. A challenge from one friend led to a mission from another and that resulted in the recent creation of his menswear line, Kalthan, walking the runway in style at JamRock Restaurant and Grill in Accra, Ghana's capital.

Fashion, he explained, was something he became fascinated with when he arrived in Ghana. Modelling for different brands, he was able to get a greater understanding of style.

"I had no style prior to coming to Ghana," he confessed, adding that his intrigue grew over time. Keen on unlocking a mass market product, he believes Ghana has the right environment and tools for this venture. "So you can say I am also passionate about the business side of fashion."

The name Kalthan was created in honour of his sons' names. The collection, which is called 'Kingston to Kalthan', features casually styled kaftans (type of robe or tunic). And the line-up for the main show consisted of three categories: standardised, prints of Africa, and Kingston to Kalthan.

"Standard-sized kaftans are not readily available online and they are usually expensive to buy. I wanted to create a trusted brand that produces quality shirts that can be worn during any season. Prints of Africa featured designs from Woodin, Africa's largest prints distributor. This year marks my third year as a Woodin ambassador and influencer. They have supported me since I got off the plane from Jamaica. Each designer that came had to create a design using the Woodin material and they all came out great! Kingston to Kalthan showcased modernised styles made from traditional cloth in Ghana. The [fabrics] northern Woori and the Ashanti Kente were transformed into sleek casual shirts," he revealed.

Burton admitted to experiencing his fair share of arguments and disagreements with his tailor, but he was able to get on the same wavelength with the vision and production.

"You can understand that as a creative, his mind wants to do things that are unique and look complex, but I believe less is more," he said. For the show, they also invited some local up-and-coming designers to showcase their work.

The attentive audience loved the show and Burton is grateful for the turnout and unwavering support.

"People came backstage to order designs the same night! The Jamaicans in the crowd let everyone know they were Jamaicans. They were my loudest cheerleaders."

Burton's hope is to stitch his way into the global market and create a billion-dollar clothing company. With the opportunity to create a household clothing brand out of Ghana, and Africa at large, at his fingertips, Burton is moving forward by completing his website. The aim is to go live before the end of this month.

Seeing his male models hit the runway in Ghana during Jamaica's 'Emancipendence' celebration was a surreal experience.

"Jamaica lives in my heart, and I miss it every day. So it always means the world to me to represent the culture. It is a country loved in every corner of the world, and I remain a proud Jamaican. To have my designs, representing Jamaica, walking the runway means that there is more in store for me. Jamaica will continue to inspire me through its contagious culture and will forever be at the base of my concepts," he said.