You’ve been asking for it – and we are proud to finally deliver it!

To celebrate our very first edition of Brata Gat Style, we are shining a light on the talented  Ethan-Xavier Hakwa – a.k.a Mantis!

Proudly Ambae, PNG, and Tongan, Ethan balances his time between working as a Draftsman and GIS Technician at UNELCO Engie and making music with his cousins at Kele Productions, a local studio and company they built from the ground up.

When it comes to fashion, Ethan keeps it practical and functional – think clean streetwear with lots of pockets and easy movement. His biggest influences come from rap and reggae culture, and even his favourite anime and video game characters.

He believes fashion is more than just clothes; it’s about being presentable, confident, and true to yourself.

For Ethan, being a Ni-Vanuatu man means carrying rich culture and responsibility — and doing it with humility and empathy.

Stylish, soulful, and full of island pride — meet the man setting the tone for Brata Gat Style!

#BrataGatStyle #VanuatuMuscian #Mantis #PacificBreak2025Winner #Stylish #Soulful #YoungMan #NiVanuatuPride #IslandEnergy


Name

Ethan-Xavier Hakwa.

 

Age

26 years old.

 

Where are you from?

I’m from Ambae, PNG and Tonga.

Tell us about your family.

I was raised by my mother, uncle and aunty at my grandparents’ house. My grandfather was the first general attorney of Vanuatu when we gained Independence. He met my grandmother when he was studying in PNG. My mother was born in Moresby before moving back to Vila where my aunty and uncle were born. My grandmother had many jobs while raising her 3 children and my grandfather worked in the government as a minister. After years of service, he started his own private law firm with my grandmother as his secretary that still operates to this day.

When I was 10, my aunty gave birth to my little sister, with whom I also grow up with. Even though today we all live separately, we have strong ties to our family from Ambae as well as PNG.

What do you like to do in your spare time?  Any hobbies?

Making music is my biggest hobby.

Alongside my cousins, we run a studio and company called Kele Productions (“Kele” means small in West Ambaean language) and we look after a few artists and producers, so a lot of our time is spent with them.

Otherwise, I am a big anime fan. If I am at home on the weekends, I am most likely watching anime or playing video games. I try to spend time with my family as well when I can, our favourite past time would be going to the beach or river.

I enjoy drinking kava as well. I don’t tend to drink by myself so when I do, it’s usually with family or friends.

What do you study? Do you work?

I have a Bachelor of Arts in Environment and Society from Lincoln University in Christchurch, New Zealand. I currently work for UNELCO Engie as a Draftsman and GIS (Geographic Information Systems) Technician in the Design Office.

What do you aspire to do in the future?

Be a professional artist and run Kele Productions full time as both a recording studio as well as an event manager. Music has always been my dream and building up our music industry for other artists is our goal.

What is a quote that you live by?

1 Corinthians 13: 1-2
“If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.”

 

How would you describe your style?

I like practical and functional street wear. I always have things to carry so pants with many pockets and a t-shirt that fits well are always my go-to.

Who influences your style?

Rap artists and hip-hop culture as well as anime and videogame characters. I also really like reggae artists fashion, since I used to have dreadlocks and really love the genre.

How do you look after your body and what products do you like to use?

For me, I try to balance a relatively healthy diet and exercise at least 3 times a week if I can with simple calisthenics or circuit training. There is a group I join every lunch time called Ezzy-Move, I encourage anyone who wants to get active to join as they cater for all ages and levels.

For perfume, I’ll just use what smells good to me. I don’t have a particular fragrance since most of my colognes were gifted to me. For daily hygiene, deodorant is essential, I use Rexona and I recently started using Cantu products for my hair – both shampoo and leave in conditioning – but usually, I’ll try to use local products such as soaps and oils.

Why do you like fashion?

I think the way you dress can tell a lot about who you are. While it’s not the only thing, it’s the first impression that people will get from you.

Just being presentable, especially for men, should be something important in my opinion because it goes hand in hand with personal hygiene and grooming. It can be as simple as having a shower in the morning, combing your hair out and wearing clean clothes.

 

Any fashion tips?

Wear what you feel comfortable with but don’t be afraid to try new things. Ask for advice if you’re not sure.

What does being a Ni-Vanuatu mean to you?

It means being born with one of the richest cultures in the world. It also means being responsible for it. It means being born with struggles only we can understand. It also means overcoming them.

Why do you think it’s important for men to be part of the conversation about gender equality?

I think its important that we show ourselves as allies in this conversation and our approach should be through empathy. Understanding our past mistakes and mending how we treat each through accountability is how we heal as humans

What is your biggest fear?

Not doing enough to make a difference with the time I have.


Photographer: JZ Photography
Barber: Clipper City
Assistant: Elsie Molou
Location: Saralana Park


This article was originally published in the November,2025 edition of the Vanuatu Daily Post’s Life and Style magazine.