Ireti “IZ” Zaccheaus on What “Street Souk” Means for Nigerian Youth

“The kids are hungry,” says Iretidayo Zaccheaus, aka IZ, the owner, founder, and CEO of Street Souk. Started in Lagos, Nigeria, in 2018, Street Souk is Africa’s largest street fashion community and convention. “There’s just so many people who are hungry, who are tired of being called lazy. Nobody wants to be a doctor or a lawyer anymore. It’s, like, I can make a living out of [streetwear].” 

According to IZ, the appeal of street fashion appeal lies in the fact that it gives African youths the freedom to express themselves. This is where Street Souk comes in. The convention provides a space for Africa’s upcoming and established streetwear brands to reach their customers directly, allowing them to build a community while empowering the industry at the same time. 

“I think what we’re doing at Street Souk is so important for future generations coming out of Nigeria,” IZ explains.