Artisan Spotlight: Brian Ungubo Obote - The Heartbeat of Craftsmanship at Adele Dejak
Posted by Adele Dejak on
In the quiet rhythm of metal meeting hand, in the precision of each hammer strike and in the deliberate bending of brass into wearable art - that’s where you’ll find Brian Ungubo Obote. Since 2018, Brian has been more than an artisan at Adele Dejak. He has been a custodian of heritage, a storyteller through texture and form, and a living testament to the soul of craftsmanship.
Brian is the longest-serving artisan at Adele Dejak - a title not earned by time alone, but by the deep passion he pours into every creation that leaves his workbench. “It’s not just work,” he says, his eyes lighting up with quiet pride. “It’s expression. It’s a language.” His tools are his vocabulary. Each piece he touches carries the weight of experience, evolution, and a relentless pursuit of excellence
A Journey of Growth and Gratitude
When Brian first walked into the Adele Dejak atelier in 2018, he came with raw skill and a hunger to grow. What he found was more than a workplace - he found mentorship, artistry and a space that valued both heritage and innovation. Over the years, the brand has invested deeply in training and upskilling him, igniting within him a profound appreciation that fuels his unwavering commitment.
“It’s rare to find a place that not only believes in your craft but helps refine it,” he reflects. “Every new technique I learn, every design challenge we face together - it adds another layer to who I am as an artisan.”
It’s that intentional nurturing that has transformed Brian’s natural talent into mastery. His fingerprints are etched into the DNA of the brand - from iconic collections to experimental one-offs that push the boundaries of African luxury.
The Art of Observation
Outside the workshop, Brian is a quiet observer of the world - a habit that feeds his creativity. He loves watching movies, not just for entertainment, but for the subtle ways characters wear emotion, style and of course, jewelry. “I can’t help it,” he chuckles. “Even in the middle of a plot twist, I’ll notice an earring and wonder about its structure, its weight and how it was made.”
His curiosity doesn’t stop at the screen. Whether on a walk through Nairobi or flipping through a magazine, he’s always spotting interesting jewelry - finding inspiration in unexpected places. This instinctive attentiveness to design is part of what makes his work so resonant. He doesn’t just make jewelry - he sees it in the world, absorbs it and reinterprets it through his hands.
A Legacy in the Making
At Adele Dejak, we believe artisans are not just behind the brand - they are the brand. And Brian Ungubo Obote is a living, breathing embodiment of that truth. His journey is a beautiful reminder that luxury is not only about the end product, but the soul embedded in its making.
Brian doesn’t crave the spotlight, but his work commands attention - not because it shouts, but because it speaks. Softly. Powerfully. Authentically.
As we continue to grow, innovate, and carry African artistry to the world, we do so on the shoulders of visionaries like Brian. His dedication is not just to metal - it’s to legacy. And in every necklace, bracelet, or earring touched by his hands, you feel not just the skill, but the story.
Thank you, Brian - for your craft, your passion, and for being the quiet pulse of Adele Dejak.
