SK SHOX TL SKEPTA
BEHIND THE DESIGN
Skepta is living proof that big things happen when you follow your dreams. His fourth Nike collab, the SK SHOX TL SKEPTA, symbolises the hard work that takes you to the top. Here he talks about the story behind the shoe.
What’s the story behind the shoe?
"I got made a chief in my dad’s village back home in Nigeria. I’m not your everyday chief. Normally chiefs are a person of the village. I was born in London. I’m something different. It made me realise that anybody could be a chief."
"I wanted to bring that energy to the shoe."
What’s the story behind the design?
"My inspiration comes from knowing where I’m from. The shoe’s got that lion print on the in-sole—it’s called an isiagu print—it’s the print you wear when you become a chief. I know some kids in Nigeria must wake up and think ‘one day I wanna wear that print’. Now they can."
"I hope the shoe connects Nigeria to the rest of the world. And that people from Nigeria feel proud of their roots, like I do. "
Why Shox?
"When I used to go to Manchester and up north, I used to see all the kids rocking Shox, it was a real street shoe. I’d be like, ‘I see you lot’. I like the swag. So I had to do it."
What would you tell a young Skep?
"That your true power is in your culture. The fact that I knew where I’m from, helped me be me.
I want kids to know they can do anything. That their work hard will be recognised, appreciated, and celebrated."
