Chief Ugo Mozie: The African Stylist Redefining Global Fashion | Afropolitan Podcast

In this powerful, intimate conversation, global fashion innovator Chief Ugo Mozie opens up like never before. From surviving a family massacre in Nigeria to styling icons like Chris Brown and Justin Bieber, Chief Ugo shares the spiritual clarity, cultural pride, and emotional depth behind his extraordinary journey.

We unpack the cost of fame, the hidden racism in high fashion, the power of African craftsmanship, and how Chief Ugo’s brand Eleven Sixteen is building legacy through storytelling. This is not just an interview it’s a blueprint for creative sovereignty.

—📍 CHAPTERS

‍00:00 – Intro

‍01:30 – Fashion in Africa is not a trend

‍02:44 – Growing up in Nigeria & escaping political violence

‍06:12 – The tragic event that changed everything

‍08:30 – Processing trauma, finding purpose

‍10:30 – Returning to Nigeria despite the past

‍12:59 – Racism in Texas, assimilation, and identity

‍15:59 – Moving to New York at 17: the dream vs. the hustle

‍19:30 – Getting kicked out of housing for being Black

‍23:30 – Interning at Virgin, faking college, and rising fast

‍27:10 – From intern to celebrity stylist at 18

‍28:50 – Paris as a turning point: learning the industry

‍31:40 – Building trust in fashion, even in racist systems

‍36:10 – The story behind Justin Bieber’s Met Gala look

‍40:14 – Chris Brown as first pivotal client

‍42:00 – Why African creatives need unity & team trust

‍44:30 – Quality control and training in Nigeria

‍48:30 – Why he built his atelier in Lagos

‍50:30 – Making the Benin bronze cowboy belt

‍52:30 – Staying authentic in an industry of expectations

‍56:20 – Building Eleven Sixteen : A fashion house for the world

‍58:20 – Dressing Diana Ross for the Met Gala (cut per note)

60:00 – Losing a client, gaining divine redirection

63:00 – Why gratitude speeds up your blessing

65:10 – Unlearning the open-door policy, protecting peace

68:00 – What’s next for African fashion

70:30 – Clients expecting culture from Ugo

73:00 – AMVCA vs Met Gala: our fashion is world-class

76:00 – Chief Ugo’s vision for African Fashion Awards

78:00 – What Eleven Sixteen will become: global, educational, rooted

80:00 – Why African fashion isn’t rooted in slavery

82:00 – Most meaningful gift: permission to be himself

84:00 – Dream Met Gala theme: African Royalty

85:30 – Ritual before big moments: prayer & fasting

86:30 – What keeps Ugo grounded: purpose ] moments

90:30 – Chief Ugo’s graduation: stepping into full purpose

92:00 – Who Ugo wants next: artist Kehinde Wiley