D L G T : The Genesis of A Legacy
DLGT (Diligent) is a Coventry-based streetwear brand which pushed a movement across the city, instilling hope & creativity into the community, even during hardships. Owned, designed and marketed by 17 year old, Emannuel "Manny" Awosanya, the company has spread throughout the city, lurking it's ways through the streets of Coventry, finding ways to evolve, create and inspire.
The idea came to him during a church service on Zoom beside his family in his humble abode. He was absorbing everything the pastor was preaching, up until the moment the pastor switched Manny's engine on with Proverbs 12:24 "The hand of the diligent shall bare rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute" The Christian proverb resonated with the young soon-to-be entrepreneur, not knowing that the proverb would endlessly loop in his head, a sign, a calling from God.
The Proverbs 12:24 quote set him off but what were the influences and inspirations behind the stylish clothing line?
Although maintaining an original, independent business venture, he claims he takes inspiration from other UK Streetwear brands, more specifically: "Trapstar, Corteiz and Carsicko". They create a sense of value, rarity within scarcity and that's what differentiates these brands from other competitors. He envisions his brand being worn by celebs, overseas and taking it as far as it can go.
Manny and I don't live too far from each other, so we cross paths very frequently, hell, I could even run with my eyes closed for 20 seconds and i would see his school opposite mine. We are both very aware of our environment and the antics that occur within the area. Manny said and I quote "We gotta walk diligent ", expressing the fact that as we both grow up with the least ideal environment to be nurtured in, we have to work hard whilst observing our surroundings, ensuring we don't get caught up in the mix. He took the negative connotations of the H O O DÂ and made it profitable, a one-way ticket for him and the people around him out of the area. He admits he used to run with the wrong crowd. The DLGT project opened his eyes to focus on what benefits him and all the love around him.
He gets hit with a sense of overwhelming content when he sees someone rocking the DLGT line, even if it was somebody coming up to him and showing love and respect in the bus station (which is what happened to us on the way to Go-Karting with some of the mandem). Something so little, a t-shirt, or a comment, a sign that Emannuel Awosanya was destined to inspire.
Manny, my boy. When that guy came up to you before we went Karting, I didn't tell you how proud I felt. You are the friend that our parents tell us to keep close because you strive for nothing but love and success
Manny made DLGT but DLGT also made him.
"The hand of the diligent shall bare rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute" - Proverbs 12:24