Written by Vibeka Mair
The Democratic Republic of Congo made headlines when their football team landed for the World Cup in Houston dressed in sharp tailored black suits adorned with silver leopard brooches, animal-print panelling and matching star-shaped animal-print bags.They were dressed in the designs of Congo-born, Paris-based designer Alvin Mak, who drew deeply on Congolese cultural references for the fits, such as the leopard, an emblematic and totemic animal of his country.
DR Congo Football Team. Stylist Alvin Junior
The fashion statement made by Congo’s football team at the USA World Cup shows how the industry seamlessly injects and interacts with entertainment from sport to film to music.
The celebration of African fashion comes at a fitting time as Africa Fashion Week London (AFWL) prepares to mark its 16th anniversary from 17–23 August 2026. Under the theme “Design Beyond Borders,” this year’s event will debut at the iconic 8 Northumberland Avenue while introducing new initiatives including the Shop The Runway retail platform, an expanded programme of industry talks, DJ workshops and creative collaborations, as well as a partnership with the British Council’s Creative DNA programme.
AFWL Credit: Let Kel Cook
Since launching in 2011, AFWL has showcased more than 3,000 designers and creatives from Africa and the diaspora, establishing itself as one of the world’s leading platforms for African fashion. With its 2026 vision, “Africa to the World via London,” the event continues its mission of championing African creativity on the global stage while reinforcing London’s position as a centre for cultural exchange, innovation and creative enterprise.
To celebrate its expansion YEEEAAH! Network takes a look at the best collabs between Afrobeat artists and African fashion designers over the years.
Burna Boy and Kenneth Ize
Burna Boy made a major fashion statement at the 2019 Coachella Festival by performing in an eye-catching, custom woven coat and matching trousers designed by Lagos-born, Vienna-based designer Kenneth Ize.
Kenneth Ize (Instagram) and Burna Boy Credit: Getty Images
The iconic yellow, multi-coloured aso-oke set was styled by Burna Boy‘s sister, Ronami Ogulu. Ize’s vibrant use of traditional Nigerian textiles not only showcased African craftsmanship on one of the world’s biggest festival stages but also helped propel the designer to international prominence, eventually contributing to his LVMH Prize nomination.
Ize’s work has been worn by global figures including Beyoncé, Naomi Campbell, Donald Glover, and Imaan Hammam, while his collaborations include a gender-neutral capsule collection with Maison Karl Lagerfeld.
Tyla and Thebe Magugu
Tyla loves wearing award-winning South African designer Thebe Magugu, sporting his designs for major projects including her Jump music video, editorial shoots for Dazed, and high-profile public appearances.
Thebe Magugu (Instagram) and Tyla – “Jump” Video
As the first African designer to win the prestigious LVMH Prize, Magugu is celebrated for collections that explore African history, identity and contemporary culture, making the partnership a natural alignment between two of Africa’s fastest-rising global talents.
Magugu is one of Africa’s most celebrated fashion designers, renowned for blending contemporary design with African storytelling. His work has been worn by global figures including Zendaya, Rihanna, Naomi Campbell, and Miley Cyrus, and he has collaborated with major brands such as Dior, Adidas, and AZ Factory, cementing his influence on the international fashion stage.
Davido and Ugo Monye
Davido made a surprise runway debut at Lagos Fashion Week in 2004 for renowned Nigerian menswear designer Ugo Monye. He rocked a regal, top-to-bottom brown traditional ensemble, which solidified an ongoing collaboration, as Monye was also the creative genius who designed Davido’s breathtaking traditional wedding attire.
Monye’s designs have been worn by other prominent figures including Burna Boy, Tems, Richard Mofe-Damijo, and Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, establishing him as one of the most influential voices in modern African luxury fashion.
Ugo Monye (Instagram) Credit: Kola Oshalusi and Davido Photo Credit: Philipshotit Philip chime
Rema and Tokyo James
Before becoming one of Africa’s biggest global stars, Rema walked the runway for Tokyo James at Lagos Fashion Week in 2019.
The appearance highlighted Tokyo James‘ progressive approach to tailoring and gender-fluid fashion while introducing Rema with a bold presentation pairing the then-rising musical sensation with high-fashion streetwear.
Tokyo James Credit: Laurent Viteur/Getty Images and Rema Bella Naija Style
James’ designs have been worn by global figures including Burna Boy, Wizkid, Davido, and Timothée Chalamet, and he has showcased his collections at major international fashion weeks, establishing himself as a leading voice in contemporary African fashion.
Tiwa Savage and Lisa Folawiyo
Tiwa Savage has long supported Nigerian luxury designer Lisa Folawiyo, regularly choosing her embellished contemporary pieces for performances, editorial shoots and special events.
Lisa Folawiyo (Instagram) and Tiwa Savage (Instagram)
Most recently, Tiwa wore a custom Lisa Folawiyo Studio two-piece for the Tiwa Savage Music Foundation’s Berklee in Nigeria Grand Finale Concert at the National Theatre, Lagos. Styled by Ade Owolabi, the look featured a one-shoulder crochet top paired with a crystal-beaded knit skirt, celebrating the Class of 2026.
Folawiyo’s designs have been worn by global figures including Lupita Nyong’o, Solange Knowles, Issa Rae, and Thandiwe Newton
Tems and Ozwald Boateng
Grammy Award-winning Afrobeats artist Tems and renowned British-Ghanaian designer Ozwald Boateng teamed up for a major fashion moment at the 2025 Met Gala. Tems wore a bespoke deep indigo and teal Ankara ballgown suit created by Boateng, making it his debut creation of a formal gown.
The look perfectly aligned with the 2025 Met Gala theme, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style”. Her outfit featured refined tailoring layered over a pinstriped collared shirt, accessorized with a matching Ankara bow tie, hair ribbon, and a peacock-print umbrella.
Ozwald Boateng and Tems Credit: Getty
Boateng famously made history as one of the youngest tailors to establish a shop on Savile Row and went on to dress some of the most influential figures in the world, including Will Smith, Idris Elba, Samuel L. Jackson, and David Beckham. Beyond celebrity clientele, he became creative director of Givenchy menswear and has been widely recognised as a transformative figure in luxury fashion, regularly featured in major museums, international exhibitions, and cultural retrospectives on contemporary style.
Asake and Mowalola
Nigerian Afrobeat sensation Asake sported the designs of visionary London-based Nigerian designer Mowalola Ogunlesi for his landmark, sold-out show at the O2 in London in 2024.
Mowalola and Asake Credit: RollingStone
Mowalola Ogunlesi is one of fashion’s most influential creative voices, collaborating with artists including Ye (as Design Director for Yeezy Gap), Skepta (styling the “Pure Water” music video), JT (creative direction and styling for “Okay”), FKA twigs, and Namasenda. Her designs have also been worn by high-profile figures such as Rihanna, Solange Knowles, Kelela, and Naomi Campbell.
Black Sherif and Free The Youth
Ghanaian star Black Sherif has become closely associated with Accra-based collective Free The Youth, frequently wearing the brand in performances, campaigns and editorial features.
Free The Youth X Black Sherif
The partnership has helped position Free The Youth as one of Ghana’s most influential youth-led fashion movements, blending streetwear with contemporary African identity.
The brand has gained international visibility through endorsements from figures like Stormzy, Wizkid, and Burna Boy.
Uncle Waffles and Rich Mnisi
Uncle Waffles frequently wears designs by the renowned South African luxury fashion brand Rich Mnisi. The internationally acclaimed Amapiano DJ has been spotted styling signature pieces like the Crossover Blazer and Wing Trousers at high-profile international events, including Paris Fashion Week.
Mnisi’s work has been worn by international figures including Beyoncé, Naomi Campbell, Naomi Campbell, and Solange Knowles, and he has collaborated with major brands such as Adidas, cementing his status as one of the most influential voices in modern African fashion.
Rich Mnisi and Uncle Waffles
Behind every iconic performance, red carpet appearance and eye-catching music video is a designer helping to shape the artist’s visual identity and Africa Fashion Week London plans to celebrate this special relationship.
As Founder and CEO Olori Ronke Ademiluyi-Ogunwusi puts it: “This year’s programme reflects our ambition to go even further by bringing together fashion, music, education and commerce in one extraordinary week. We are creating spaces where designers can learn, connect, showcase their work, and ultimately build sustainable businesses while sharing African creativity with the world.”
