Angry Boys is like the Nike SB of the TV world. One of the most hyped up shows of the year, Chris Lilley's creation has created a massive buzz and along the way produced some killer young talent on the Australian screen. We were first introduced to Clyde 'Splash' Borraine as the Damon Dash-like sidekick to tragic Hip Hop star S.Mouse in episode two which aired late last month. Being a local lad and a massive sneaker fan, we knew we had to hit up the South African-born Nike head and get the low low on one of Australia's most talked about TV gigs. Oh, and don't worry we get the goss on that killer Air Force One collection and just why he imprinted himself with a permanent reminder of his favourite sneaker brand.
Hey Clyde first up tell us a little about yourself and where you rep!
Well you already know my name so no introduction needed there, but call me Splash. I am an actor (well I hope to always be), and also host an online radio show called YOU ALREADY KNOW on www.keepup.com.au. I was born in South Africa and I've got some Asian blood in me as well. I've spent time in many countries but I now call Melbourne home. I like to collect 'things'. I say things because it ranges from Transformers to Gundam Figures to sneakers to hot wheels cars, even Marvel and DC memorabilia, oh, and NBA memorabilia. See what I mean? Things! I like to be fresh and co-ordinated. Everything has to match down to my socks if possible.
Were your parent's big Puma heads? Where does the name Clyde come from?
Nah, I doubt my dad actually had any idea bout Puma Clydes back then. He says he just liked the name. Personally I think right before I was born he was at the arcade playing Pac-Man. If you didn't know, the four ghost's names are Inky, Pinky, Blinky and Clyde. Random I know....
Hahahah as Ja'mie would say 'totes random'! Tell us how you got into sneaker collecting - what was the first shoe that caught you off guard?
I was about 14 when I started collecting. It began from just wanting to be fly like my big cuzzo Kidmac. That dude was always rocking the flyest kicks out, so I wanted to be like that too. It went from having a different pair to wear everyday of the week to a different pair everyday of the month to now, my goal of everyday of the year (I'm almost there). But in doing so I developed a deeper passion for sneakers especially the AF1. I'm not a hypebeast that will get something because everyone else has it or talks about it - I buy pairs that I like and that appeal to me, especially bright colours. To me they are art. I struggle to look at them as footwear. The first pair that stole my breath, as in true love, was probably the AF1 LUX woven joints, now those had me dreaming for days. I damn near wrote a letter to them saying 'will you go out with me, YES NO MAYBE?'.
You're an AF1 man for sure. How many have you got these days, and what is it about the shoe that floats your boat?
I love them; I'm sitting round the 80 mark for Uptowns alone. There's so much that I love about them. The history behind the shoe itself is an amazing story, the fact it hails all the way back from 1982 and is still relevant today speaks for itself. There are really two reasons why I love this shoe - one is because most historical or groundbreaking events in history usually result in a Limited release AF1 of some kind, and what better way to remember history. Second are the colours. I love colours and weird materials. Find me a bright fluoro pink horse-haired and patent leather pair and you have my dreams ha-ha.
Speaking of wacky combos, a lot of heads steered clear of the AF1 after the 25th anniversary editions dropped - it seemed like Nike were going hell for leather on colours and material match ups. What were your thoughts on the whole range - did it only strengthen your love of the shoe?
Well in 2007 as an AF1 fan I must say I lost my damn mind, the amount of them being released was insane. I loved the mix of all colours and materials. The best part, in my opinion, was the player's series. I felt that Nike really did their thing with those, especially the Kobes. To date, they are still one of my favourite pairs I own, and not just cause I'm a Lakers fan. The only disappointment is what happened after the anniversary. There have been very few AF1 releases in the last year or so and at that they are very neutral colour-wise. Bring back the bright patent leather I say.
What else is in your crate that you like to rock?
There is a lot, so I'll give you my top five in no particular order. The Jordan 3 DTRTs are amazing. Even though I'm a massive AF1 guy, they are my favourite kicks ever. Then we have the Lebrons - mostly the 8 and the South Beachs. Also Jordan 13s in any colour but mostly the Altitudes. I gotta say Dunks as well, mainly because, besides AF1s, that's where the colours are at. And lastly, Vans Slip-ons in all white - cleanest shoe I've ever seen.
You're big on bright colours. is that the only thing that draws you to a shoe?
It's definitely a big bonus but I am a bit of a brand groupie for Nike. Colours to me are like great assets on a girl. I mean she might look like Kim Kardashian but looks aren't everything, she's got to have personality too.
Yeah, a massive brand groupie alright... tell us about that Nike Swoosh tattoo on the side of your foot!
Ha-ha yeah it's actually on both feet. I've got well over 60% of my body inked out so I felt two more wouldn't hurt. Plus this is a brand I've spent a lot of money and research on. I'm very passionate about sneakers and over the years they have become a big part of my life. So to show my dedication, the Swooshs had to be inked up.
Nice, well moving on, most people will now know you from Angry Boys, playing S.Mouse's Damon Dash-like sidekick D'Anthony. How did you get involved in the show?
Yeah I've been getting recognised a lot lately ha-ha. It was really just through the audition process. They would have sent out a casting brief saying "looking for the sexiest black/Asian male" and I popped up on the radar.
Hahaha, awesome... so you're pretty much type cast! I'm guessing there wasn't too much character development then...
Well most of it was all up to Chris. He is a genius when it comes to creating all the characters he does and executing them so well. For me the biggest challenge was really growing my hair. As for the character itself, yeah, it's very me which is what made working on Angry Boys so much fun.
What a killer opportunity to work with Chris Lilley as well. it must have been a lot to keep up with?
It was indeed an honour the man is a genius and just truly inspiring. I have never known someone to have a greater passion for their work. He looks into every little detail to make his work so believable and relevant. Take Ja'mie from SHH for example, I knew a bunch of girls just like her in my school and that's what makes his work great, the fact that you can relate to it so well. As for keeping up with him, lucky it's maybe the only skill I was born with - I'm a quick thinker. The hardest part is keeping it together when he pulls something completely out of the air.
We've heard through the grapevine that Chris is heavy into kicks and hip hop himself - true?
I won't say heavy... From what I know he enjoys all genres of music, but hip-hop is definitely one of them. And kicks - well with me in his life he is getting there slowly ha-ha.
Awesome! What's the reaction been like for you?
It's been amazing. It's my first major gig and on such a massive show. It's great for my career. All I need is more twitter followers - follow me at @splash022! But I have been truly blessed to land this role in my career. Now if everyone can stop asking me to slap my elbow, we good.
Ok, we'll just 'poo on you!' instead! Will we be seeing you in anything else coming up?
I have always aspired to this since I was young and now even more so with Angry Boys on my list. So yes I would say get used to this face because I do not plan on going anywhere soon.
So where to from here for you... and for your sneakers?!
Well I've got to keep the ball rolling and work hard on my career. As for sneakers, they keep coming out so I'm a keep copping pair after pair. The only issue is space, but as long as they keep releasing retros and AF1s I'll be collecting till death do us part.
Thanks Splash!
