Meet Emmanuel Abandoh, better known as Mr. Urban, the visionary entrepreneur and creative director behind the fast-rising streetwear label 97 Urban Clothing. His story is one that blends struggle, self-belief, and purpose — a reminder that fashion is more than fabric; it’s identity, confidence, and expression.
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| Mr. Urban |
Born in Enyan Apaa, a small Fante town near Mankessim, Emmanuel grew up as the first of four children and the only son, raised by a strong, intelligent, and God-fearing mother. Life wasn’t easy, but he speaks about it with a calm sense of gratitude. “It’s been striving and difficult,” he says, “but God always has His way of making slaves kings.” When he was 13, his family moved to Accra, where he continued his education at Mahean M/A JHS, Odorgonno Senior High School, and later the University of Ghana, majoring in Marketing under a BSc in Business Administration. Those years built his foundation for entrepreneurship and shaped the discipline that now drives his brand.
The idea for 97 Urban was born from his personal experiences. Growing up, Emmanuel often struggled to afford proper clothing. He remembers wearing home clothes to school because his family couldn’t afford uniforms. “It really affected my confidence,” he recalls. “So I started learning how to dress myself well and eventually began making my own clothes. It made me feel better — and I wanted others to feel that same confidence.” What started as a way to boost his self-esteem eventually became a calling to inspire others through fashion. On October 1st, 2023, he turned that vision into reality with the official launch of 97 Urban Clothing.
The name 97 Urban holds a deep personal meaning. Born on July 9, 1997, Emmanuel explains that both the numbers 9 and 7 symbolize grace, perfection, and luck — spiritual numbers that he believes define his life’s journey. The word “Urban” represents transition, the merging of cultures, lifestyles, and identities that shape the modern world. “97 Urban is more than a brand,” he says. “It’s a movement — a world where different people and stories come together under one vision.”
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| Mr. Urban |
At the heart of 97 Urban lies a simple but powerful message: no matter where you come from, there’s always a bigger world to conquer. The brand’s designs combine elements of past and future fashion, resulting in pieces that feel timeless yet bold. “Each thread and each style has a story,” he says. “Our process is spiritual — we design from our environment, emotions, and experiences. We make clothes that carry meaning.”
Of course, building a brand from scratch hasn’t been without its challenges. Production delays, especially since most of their items are made outside Ghana, have tested their patience. But for Mr. Urban, every struggle is part of the growth process. “Our proudest moments are when people reach out to tell us how our designs make them feel,” he shares. “That was always the dream — to see confidence reflected in the people who wear our clothes.”
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| Camidoh step out in his UID Graphic Tee |
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| Larusso Showing off his UID Graphic Tee |
As a creative, Mr. Urban has his finger on the pulse of Ghana’s streetwear evolution. “African streetwear is going wild right now,” he shared. “Ghana, Nigeria, and South Africa are leading the movement, influencing the world with our creativity.” He credits brands like Free The Youth for paving the way and proudly mentions that 97 Urban has already connected with some of Ghana’s biggest young artists, including Gyakie, Yaw Tog, Camidoh, AratheJay, Darkovibes , Medikal, Quamina MP and many other — all of whom embody the energy and ambition his brand represents.
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| Gyakie stuns in pixelated green tones. |
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| Dancegod Lloyd keeps it chic in pixelated green. |
Beyond fashion, Mr. Urban has a deep love for music, travel, and family. “We’re planning to merge fashion and music soon so we can connect with more people globally,” he reveals. When he’s not working, he loves to travel — having already explored all sixteen regions of Ghana — and spends quality time with his wife and daughter. “Family and travel are everything to me,” he says warmly.
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| Models rocking 97 Urban |
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| Models rocking 97 Urban |
For him, 97 Urban is more than clothing; it’s a family. “When people wear 97 Urban, I want them to feel confident, proud, and part of a community that’s shaping the future,” he says. The brand continues to grow, with exciting collaborations lined up across Ghana, Nigeria, and South Africa, and a much-anticipated tracksuit collection on the way that promises to make a statement.
Asked what advice he would give to young creatives hoping to start their own journey, his response is simple but powerful — a reflection of the mindset that got him here:
“Start it today. Start it small. Start it now.”
Through his story, Mr. Urban reminds us that fashion isn’t just about what you wear — it’s about how you feel in it. 97 Urban Clothing stands as proof that when confidence meets creativity, style becomes something much bigger — a movement built on grace, purpose, and the belief that everyone can rise.
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| Kay flip flexing in his Bat Buckle Bel |
97 Urban unveils its latest Bat Buckle Belt Collection, blending bold design with signature street flair. Available in black and army green — now on pre-order at 97urbancom.net
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| 97 Urban Bat Buckle Belt |
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| 97 Urban Bat Buckle Belt |
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