Tobe Nwigwe Talks Duality & Design in His Reebok x Chukwu ABUO: ‘Mint Makes the Statement, Chalk Makes It Possible’

Tobe Nwigwe is no stranger to making statements. Whether it’s through his music, his visuals or his unmistakable mint-green aesthetic, the Houston-based artist has built a movement rooted in authenticity, culture, and empowerment. Now, he’s carrying that same energy into his second collaboration with Reebok, the Reebok x Chukwu ABUO collection.

Following the success of their debut Preseason OTU drop earlier this year, which celebrated roots and legacy, this sophomore release shifts the focus to family and growth. At the center of the collection is the Chukwu ABUO (pronounced: ah-BOO-aw), a reimagined take on the classic Reebok BB 4000 II. Executed in Nwigwe’s signature mint and chalk, the sneaker combines hairy suede, nubuck leather and textile. Every detail tells a story of duality, heritage and modernity, function and fashion, discipline and creativity.

This collection goes beyond sneakers. The Chukwu apparel capsule introduces tailored-yet-versatile pieces inspired by both sport and culture, from a cropped nylon coaches jacket to heavyweight French terry sweats. Designed with the same care and intentionality as the footwear, the lineup is unified by mint tones and subtle detailing that make each piece feel timeless, elevated and wearable across generations.

For me, this one’s a Flex. The design, the storytelling and the cultural weight behind the project make it much more than just another collab — it’s a wearable extension of Tobe’s artistry. The Mint pair is an instant standout, but honestly, I need just about everything in this collection. Beyond the look, the materials feel premium for the price point, and the sizing on the BB 4000 II runs true to size, offering comfort without losing that retro basketball shape. At the end of the day, this isn’t just a sneaker you throw on — it’s a piece of heritage and perspective you carry with you.

With that in mind, Billboard caught up with Tobe to dive deeper into the meaning behind Chukwu ABUO, the evolution from his first Reebok collab, and why family and storytelling are at the heart of everything he creates.

This is your second collab with Reebok — how did you want Chukwu Abuo to evolve from “Preseason Otu” in terms of story and style?

With “Preseason Otu,” we were introducing a world — my heritage, the way I’ve procured the creative lens I’m giving to everyone, the blend of sport and style I’ve chosen. “Chukwu Abuo” is about building on that foundation. “Abuo” is “two” in Igbo, which speaks to duality — heritage and modernity, function and fashion, discipline and creativity.

The Chukwu Abuo is built from the BB 4000 II silhouette. What drew you to that model, and how did you put your own stamp on it?

The BB 4000 II already has this timeless energy — clean lines, solid proportions and a shape that works. It’s a silhouette that carries nostalgia but can still live in the now. My stamp came through in the details —color-blocking that nods to my signature palette, textures that invite you to look closer and elements that connect directly to my family and culture. It’s not just a sneaker; it’s a chapter in a greater narrative.

The materials — hairy suede, nubuck leather, and textile — feel really intentional. What textures or design details were most important for you to get right?

Every texture tells a part of the story. Hairy suede gives it that raw, tactile feel — like something crafted, not mass-produced. Nubuck leather brings in smoothness and structure, a balance to the ruggedness. And the textile keeps it wearable and breathable. For me, it was about creating layers you can actually feel, so the shoe isn’t just seen — it’s experienced.

Mint has become a signature color for you, but this drop also includes a chalk colorway. How do the two shades tell different sides of your story?

Mint has always been my visual signature — it’s bold, fresh, and impossible to ignore. It represents energy, newness and the creative spark. Chalk, on the other hand, is about the art of being the canvas—it’s the quiet space that invites possibility. It’s not empty; it’s alive with potential. Together, they’re the balance in my work: Mint makes the statement, and Chalk makes the statement possible.

You’ve said this collection is rooted in growth — both personal and generational. Can you talk about a specific moment with your kids that inspired the designs?

There was this moMINT when my kids looked at me and asked, “Daddy, you design all this cool stuff, but when do we get to wear it?” They saw their mom and me rocking my designs and felt a bit left out. That was a big inspiration for me. I realized I wanted this project to be something my kids could step into —literally. Including children’s sizes wasn’t just a detail; it was about making sure the next generation of our family — and families like ours — felt included in the story.

“Abuo” means “two” in Igbo. Beyond being the second chapter in your Reebok journey, what other layers of meaning does “two” carry for you?

“Two” signifies second chances for me. Originally, I wanted to play in the NFL. I had that dream all through my life, but an injury closed that door. It could have been the end of the story, but instead another door was opened for me — through music, through fashion, through everything I’m doing now. It’s also about connection — two generations, two cultures meeting in one design. For me, “two” is the bridge.

Including children’s sizing feels like a personal touch. Why was it important to make this collab something the whole family could wear?

Representation matters to me. It was important to include children’s sizes because I want my kids to know that they’re part of this story, too. I represent them, they represent me, and we all represent each other. It’s about showing that, even though we’re individuals, we’re also a collective unit. That’s why making this collab something the whole family can wear was so meaningful. It’s a way of saying: we’re in this together.

You’ve mentioned honoring “the people who came before you” through this collection — how does that heritage show up in the designs?

My grandfather’s name is Okwudunaogbo, which means “before anything can be discussed, this is the topic of discussion” in Igbo. To me, this represents foundation — the starting point. The infrastructure of all things — setting the tone. This is a big piece of who I am as a person. This attention to detail and purpose is woven into my ethos as a designer. It’s carried out in everything, from the intentional use of Igbo in the design language to the textures and our signature color. The hairy suede has that handcrafted feel, the patterns nod to African textiles, and the mint carries through as a signature — almost like a family crest. Every element is intentional, because it’s carrying pieces of a story that started long before me.

You called this collab a “wearable piece of my family’s story.” How do you hope people who aren’t in your family still connect to it?

Family isn’t just blood — it’s the people you build with, the ones who hold you down. I hope people see their own families, crews and communities in this shoe. Even if the details come from my life, the feeling is universal.

In sneaker culture, storytelling is as important as design. How do you balance telling a personal story while creating something universal?

It’s about anchoring the design in purpose, not just autobiography. You might not know my exact story, but you know what intention feels like. You know what growth feels like. If you can connect to those emotions, the shoe is already yours.

You said this drop is “for the culture, for the community and for the next generation.” How do you see sneakers playing a role in those spaces?

Sneakers have always been cultural currency — they tell you where someone’s from, what they value and how they move. For the community, they’re a source of pride. For the next generation, they’re an entry point into discovery. If my designs can live in that space, then I’m doing my job.

This is chapter two. How many more chapters do you see in the Reebok x Chukwu story?

As long as the story keeps evolving, I see more chapters inside a beautiful family story. It’s not just about more shoes — it’s about new ways to express the same roots and my life’s experiences. I think we’re just getting started.

Outside of sneakers, where do you see your design journey going next?

I want to take this approach — rooted in culture, rich in storytelling — and apply it everywhere: apparel, accessories, architecture, everywhere that artistic expression lives. Anything people can live in and make memories with.