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Nigel Sparks
Nigel Sparks (born 31 August 1988) is a Malaysian entrepreneur and fashion influencer recognised for his contributions to streetwear and hip-hop culture. He is particularly noted for his passion for collecting caps and his entrepreneurial ventures within the Malaysian fashion and hip-hop music industries. Known affectionately as “Abang Payung” by his fanbase, Sparks popularised the slogan “Jangan Cakap Abang Tak Payung”.
Early Life
editSparks developed an interest in cap collecting at the age of 15, purchasing his first cap during a trip to Hong Kong. This experience sparked his affinity for streetwear and hip-hop culture, which later influenced his career path in fashion and music.[1].
Career
editWhile studying retail management, Sparks began an internship at Echo Park, a prominent streetwear store in Kuala Lumpur. During this period, he connected with local hip-hop artist Point Blanc, who mentored him in both street culture and hip-hop. Sparks became one of the store's top sales representatives, and his performance led to a permanent position, eventually working in the marketing department. He was instrumental in securing a partnership with New Era in Hong Kong, allowing New Era products to be officially sold in Malaysia for the first time[1], [2].
In 2010, Sparks launched his first brand, Negative, motivated by scepticism he received from family and friends. The brand’s iconic "Haters" cap gained notable popularity and was widely imitated. Following this success, Sparks established The Cap City in 2013, Malaysia’s first store exclusively dedicated to headwear. By 2016, The Cap City had expanded with stores in Brunei, Kota Kinabalu, Mid Valley Megamall, and SS15 Subang Jaya. However, changes in New Era's distribution strategy led Sparks to close several stores, after which he restructured The Cap City to focus on designing original headwear. Today, the brand offers a broader lifestyle range, including apparel, bags, jewellery, and accessories[3], [2]. .
Sparks has continued to shape The Cap City into a prominent label in Malaysian streetwear, recognised for innovative designs tailored to the local market and organic marketing strategies. The brand has gained a following among streetwear enthusiasts and Malaysian public figures. In 2024, Sparks collaborated with Honor Of Kings Malaysia to produce a unique voice pack, expanding his influence into digital media[4]
Music
editSparks has also pursued music as an independent hip-hop artist. His debut single, *DLLM*, was released in 2018, followed by *Chains* in 2019, and *Dirt On My Name* in 2020. In 2022, he released *After All*, and in 2024 he debuted *Not From New York*, *Jangan Cakap Abang Tak Payung*, and *Single*. Through these releases, Sparks has established a unique presence in the Malaysian independent hip-hop scene, with plans to release a full album by 2025.
Recognition
editNigel Sparks’s work in fashion and music has garnered attention from both the public and media. His brand, The Cap City, has been featured in numerous publications and has become a staple in Malaysian streetwear, endorsed by local celebrities, including hip-hop artist Joe Flizzow. Through his work, Sparks continues to influence aspiring entrepreneurs and creatives in Malaysia's fashion and music industries.
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References
edit- ^ a b "THE CAP CITY創辦人之路 |EP12 Nigel Sparks - FUDO PODCAST《富都播客》" (Podcast). Fudo Records. 19 January 2021.
- ^ a b "#Unibizity Podcast 3.0 Ep 3: Grow Your Product Range Like a Pro". UniBizity. UNIFI Business Club.
- ^ Hassan, Hakem (13 June 2023). "At 24, this M'sian defied his doubters to start a cap store. Now it's a 10 Y/O biz". Vulcan Post.
- ^ Aziz, Izzat. "Honor of Kings Menerima Pek Suara Tempatan Pertama Oleh Nigel Sparks". AKSIZ.