Interview with Togo-based streetwear artist : Kossi Daniel Ahlijah
Interview with the Togo-based streetwear artist Kossi Daniel Ahlijah the Creative Mind Behind FABTAS’ upcoming Streetwear Drop.
While you wait, tap into our blog and catch the interview behind the vision.
FABTAS: Tell us a bit about yourself — where did your journey as an artist and designer begin?
Daniel: I’m a vector illustrator and graphic designer from Togo. My creative path began with a strong passion for drawing, but I originally trained as a publicist. That foundation in advertising gave me a solid sense of visual communication, which later merged with my artistic roots. A big influence early on was my cousin, the painter Henry Segbaya, as well as artists like Akira Toriyama, Katsuhiro Ōtomo, and Moebius. That mix of cultures and styles showed me how a single line, shape, or colour can tell multiple stories at once.
FABTAS: That’s powerful. Was there a specific turning point where you decided to dive fully into illustration?
Daniel: Absolutely — during the COVID-19 pandemic. It was a pivotal time for me. I discovered 2D vector illustration on Instagram, where I came across the Belgian artist Musketon. His bold, precise style resonated with me. That encounter changed everything. I dove deep into vector illustration and made it the core of my visual identity.
FABTAS: How would you describe your style today?
Daniel: I like to call it a chameleon. My style is adaptive — I can tailor it to different needs and audiences — but I never lose the depth or personality behind it. At its core, I stay rooted in the aesthetic clarity of 2D vector design.
FABTAS: Let’s talk about your collaboration with FABTAS. How did that come about, and what was the concept?
Daniel: FABTAS was looking for a design direction rooted in hip-hop culture and streetwear energy — something bold, youthful, and meaningful.. That’s where I introduced the Tchale Boy/Girl. They are the characters I created in exclusivity for FABTAS, inspired by the rebellious, expressive nature of urban movements, and deeply connected to my Togolese-Ghanaian heritage. The word “Tchale or its most known version Chale” is local slang for “dude” — but for me, it also represents someone who’s unapologetically free, culturally rooted, and nonconformist.
FABTAS: What message are you hoping to share through Tchale Boy/Girl and your work?
Daniel: That identity is fluid, layered, and expressive. Through my illustrations, I want to show how visual storytelling can reflect who we are, not just as individuals, but as part of something larger. With Tchale Boy/Girl, I set out to blend contemporary street style with African cultural codes and colours, creating something both unapologetically modern and proudly local.
FABTAS: Any final thoughts for young designers or creatives from Africa or elsewhere?
Daniel: Embrace where you come from. Whether it’s your neighbourhood's slang, your family traditions, or your early influences — that’s your power. And don’t be afraid to mix disciplines or break the mould. That’s where the magic happens.
by FABTAS Team