USA-based Zambian artist OC has sparked conversation online after advising fellow musicians, especially rising stars, to take their dressing seriously and present themselves like superstars.
In a post shared on his social media, OC recalled a moment from the past when he was still active in Zambia’s music scene and had one of the biggest songs in the country titled “Wa Ache Waseme” featuring Zaga.
OC narrated that one day he was at Crystal Studios with fellow creatives including TOLO, Kelvin Mwesa, Bob Muli, Sebastian Mutale, and others, after finishing a music session. While waiting outside the gate for MC Wabwino to pick them up for lunch, OC said he was dressed in a ragged green T-shirt and slippers, admitting he looked “like a homeless man.”
According to OC, when MC Wabwino arrived, he immediately checked his appearance and gave him a serious reality check.
“Mufana wanga, you’re a superstar now. You need to start looking like a superstar,” OC quoted MC Wabwino as saying.
He explained that MC Wabwino then went to his car and returned with a clean white medium-sized T-shirt and a chain, which he handed to him, telling him that if he was going to be around him, he needed to look like a star.
“If you’re going to hang around me, ufunika uka zioneka monga star,” MC Wabwino reportedly told him.
OC said that moment changed his life completely and taught him the importance of personal branding. He revealed that from that day, he started paying attention to his dressing and how he presented himself to the public, adding that he also made sure to smell good.
“The truth is you are what you wear. You can’t be a star and look like a gardener,” OC stated.
In the same post, OC jokingly directed the message to music star Chile One MrZambia, saying he loves his music but believes he should improve his public appearance to match his superstar status.
“Chile One, I’m talking to you, mwaiche wandi,” OC wrote.
He added that as an older brother in the music industry, he wants the best for Chile One and urged all upcoming creatives to understand that what they wear contributes to their identity as stars.
The post has since sparked mixed reactions online, with some agreeing that image matters in the entertainment industry, while others argued that music talent should matter more than fashion.
