There’s a calm precision to the way Bola speaks. It’s very measured and thoughtful, like someone who has had to learn patience through living it. Before Bola PSD became a force in the new wave of African streetwear, he was just a kid, obsessed with getting his outfits right. “I didn’t know much about fashion then,” he says, “I just liked to dress well and stand out.” What started as a simple love for dressing with intention has slowly evolved into what now defines his brand’s identity.

When Bola PSD launched in 2023, the path wasn’t clear or straight. The first few designs leaned heavily on a rockstar edge. Two months in, Bola pivoted, stripping the brand down to its core and rebuilding it around his own style, creating exactly what he wanted: everyday fits, clean silhouettes, and pieces that truly reflect who he really is.

His journey mirrors the energy of his generation: self-made, deeply personal, and unafraid to evolve in public. From seeing Rema wear his white polo in the “Fun” video to expanding the brand from Lagos to Canada, Bola’s story is really about persistence, taste, and timing. “You don’t need anyone’s validation,” he says. “Everything will align in due time.”

What first drew you into fashion, and when did you realize it was more than just a hobby?   

It started in secondary school, I’ve been mindful of how I dress since then. Even back then, I was conscious of the kind of clothes I wore, down to the colors. At the time, I didn’t know much about fashion as a concept; I just knew I liked to dress really well and in a way that made me stand out. I wanted people to see me and know there was something different about my style. Then, in university, being around different people, I got to experience a whole lot more. That’s when it became more than just dressing well. I started being more intentional about it. I saw people who had clothing brands, and I began to feel like I needed to do something that was me-coded. Of course, I didn’t start immediately; I wanted to take my time to observe how everything worked and make sure I got into it the right way. I didn’t have a fashion background, so it was something I basically had to learn and figure out on my own.

Out of all the fashion niches, what was it about streetwear that really spoke to you?

When I started my brand in 2023, the very first design I put out was in a different niche. About two months in, I started realizing I didn’t particularly like the direction it was going; it had more of a rockstar vibe. It wasn’t that the rockstar vibe didn’t feel true to me; I actually like it, but it had its own niche, and I didn’t want the brand to start that way because it wouldn’t appeal to everyone. I wanted Bola PSD to be for everybody, so I had to take a different approach. I began making it more about myself and what I actually liked, rather than just trying to appeal to a specific type of audience like I was doing before. For example, if I felt like wearing track pants today or ribbed T-shirts tomorrow, then that’s what I’d create. The brand basically revolves around me as a person, and I wanted people to see and connect with that. 

Whose work do you admire or study?

Virgil Abloh. He was one of the first people who made me take fashion seriously and actually approach it with more intention. Of course, there are several other people over time that I admire and who inspire me to try different things, but Virgil takes the crown; he played the biggest role in influencing my career. Before I even started my brand, I had a graphic design page where I was trying to put my name out there and show people what I was doing. The fact that Virgil had a graphic design page called Canary Yellow, where he curated his works, also inspired me to do mine that way. He’s been a major influence not just in my creative process but also in the way I present and share my work.

What keeps you going? What’s the motivation behind building your name and brand?

When I first started and began to see how everything was playing out, it really pushed me that this actually happened, and I once dreamt of it. So it made me believe that the bigger dreams will definitely happen too. Looking back at when I was younger, the things I always wanted to do are now playing out in real time, and that just keeps me really motivated. It’s a dream I never thought would unfold this way, and seeing it come to life is what keeps me going every day.

Why do you think your work resonates so much with this new generation of artists?

I feel like every generation has one person they just see and instantly connect with;  someone they just naturally vibe with. I do hope I’m that person. 

What’s been the hardest lesson you’ve learned building your brand? 

The hardest lesson would be realizing that you don’t need anyone’s validation to do your thing; everything will eventually align in due time. These things take time, and honestly, time is a major factor. When I first started, I wanted to see results fast, but I had to learn that timing and patience are everything, especially if you’re in it for the long run. What came easily to me was the fashion and design side of things. Since I was already a graphic designer, that part came naturally. I’ve been designing most of the pieces myself for the brand, but right now I’m expanding and bringing more people in.

Some people have strong opinions about streetwear pricing. How do you respond to those conversations around the price of your pieces?

Honestly, I don’t respond much. If people have seen the pieces I’ve put out, especially this year, they’ll see it’s good quality. I’m a bit of a perfectionist, and I always want my clothes to meet a certain standard. As the brand started growing, I knew I had to keep that standard high. I think it’s better to hear people talk about price than to say, “Bola’s stuff isn’t good.” 

I know how much goes into making each piece-the materials and production-and none of it is cheap. A lot of people don’t see the losses brand owners take before things even come together. Also, I’m producing these clothes outside Nigeria, paying in USD, and then selling in Naira;  so that adds another layer to the cost. Still, I try not to overprice. Honestly, the quality could justify higher prices, but I try to keep it as affordable as possible. That’s why I also include smaller pieces like skull caps, so everyone can still get something from Bola PSD. It’s a brand for everyone, not just a specific crowd.

How was it like seeing the white polo t-shirt in Rema’s “Fun” video? Did you actually have any idea that was going to happen?

Yeah, I already knew they were going to use it because they reached out. I also kind of foresaw that there would be a ripple effect once the video dropped, because for someone like Rema, it’s not just any kind of clothing they put him in. So, of course, it validated the brand for some people, and I was ready for that ripple effect on all fronts. Watching it all play out was just really good, seeing how everyone was talking about it even before me meant a lot. 

We noticed the site now requires a password. What’s the story behind that? Is Bola PSD moving toward a members-only experience? 

I just closed it temporarily because I’m updating the website and adding new products. Since I recently moved to Canada, there are a few things I still need to adjust because of that, too. It’s nothing permanent; I still want everyone to have access. I’ve made it a point this year to keep my site open at all times, even when there aren’t any items for sale. A day before the new drop, people will be able to sign up via email for early access or to be the first to know when everything goes live.

What’s next for Bola PSD? Any upcoming drops, collabs, or shifts we should be watching for? 

There are a lot of plans, especially for this last quarter. I’m dropping new items and also doing stuff for the women, which is something I’ve always wanted to do. At this point, there’s a bigger responsibility to keep people connected to the brand.